PICTURES: A night for fine palates at Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2022
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THE cream of the region's food and drinks industry was celebrated at an event in Inverness.
The annual Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards took place with 250 guests gathering at Kingsmills Hotel to recognise the very best of Scotland’s larder.
Among the winners, which spanned 15 categories, were Cù Bòcan Single Malt by Tomatin Distillery which was named best whisky on the night, Shore Seaweed Chips from Wick won the best food retail category, Downright Gabbler in Beauly was crowned best food and drink tourism experience and IV10 in Fortrose was named the best eatery.
Julia Mackillop, senior brand manager for Cù Bòcan Single Malt, said: “After a successful rebrand for Cù Bòcan in 2019, the following year saw a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns which of course had a negative impact on our relaunch back into market.
“As a brand we had to adapt many of our marketing communications, and work virtually with our export markets across the world. Then 2021 saw a fantastic period of recovery for Cù Bòcan and that success has continued into 2022.
“Earlier this year we released two new whiskies in our Creation series, Creation #3 and Creation #4, and more recently we released our first age stated whisky – Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old.”
Kirsty Coutts, from Downright Gabbler in Beauly, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won the food and drink tourism experience award.
“It’s wonderful to have such a vote of confidence in what we’re offering here.”
Robert Hicks, co-founder of The Highland Liquor Company, said: “We’re delighted to have won best distilled drink for The Highland Liquor Company. It was a great evening spent in a room of talented producers, food, drink and tourism businesses from across the Highlands and Islands after what has been an incredibly challenging few years for all involved in our industry. It is an honour to be recognised and a testament to the entire team’s hard work.”
Winner of ambassador of the year, Gilpin Bradley of Mowi Scotland and Wester Ross Salmon, said: “I am incredibly honoured to have received this award and delighted that it will give me further opportunities to promote awareness of these awards, the sector, and it’s importance to the economy of the Highlands and Islands throughout the coming year; in my position as ambassador. The resilience, innovation and passion within the Highlands and Islands food and drink industry never fails to impress and inspire and I offer my congratulations to all of the winners and finalists.”
The awards, now in their 17th year, look to recognise the very best products, food and drink experiences, outstanding retailers and businesses demonstrating sustainability, quality and diversity.
Click here to find the full list of winners.
