Eat Drink Hebrides Shortlisted for Global Culinary Travel Awards
Eat Drink Hebrides, the food and drink division of Visit Outer Hebrides, has been named as a semi-finalist for the prestigious Global Culinary Travel Awards in the category of Best Program to Promote Culinary Culture to Visitors.
The Global Culinary Travel Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in culinary tourism, recognising organisations that successfully promote food culture to travellers.
With winners announced on September 30th, this recognition highlights the continued success of the Outer Hebrides as a foodie destination, showcasing its rich local produce and innovative culinary practices.
Established in 2016, Eat Drink Hebrides is a regional food group run by Visit Outer Hebrides. With support from Scotland Food & Drink, the initiative has been instrumental in developing and promoting the islands’ unique food and drink experiences to both local and international visitors.
The group has gained attention for its Eat Drink Hebrides Trail—a self-guided journey that takes visitors through local restaurants, cafes, distilleries, and markets, encouraging them to discover the authentic tastes of the Outer Hebrides – from the famous Stornoway Black Pudding to fresh seafood caught in islands’ pristine waters.
Julie Sloan, Project Manager for Food & Drink at Eat Drink Hebrides, expressed her excitement about being shortlisted, stating, “The Outer Hebrides is home to a wide variety of local food and drink businesses, each bringing something special to our islands to share with visitors near and far. From our artisan producers to innovative dining experiences, we take pride in promoting the unique flavours of the Hebrides to visitors from across the world.”
Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, added, “With its rich culinary heritage and an increasing number of innovative dining options, the Outer Hebrides are firmly establishing themselves as a noteworthy destination for food enthusiasts. The combination of fresh local produce, passionate local businesses, and a commitment to sustainability are noteworthy of recognition on a global stage and we await the final results with bated breath!”
Food and drink have become key highlights of a visit to Scotland, with an increasing number of tourists seeking out local culinary experiences. VisitScotland’s 2023 survey found that 46% of visitors participated in at least one food and drink experience, with 36% highlighting the importance of locally produced food and drink. These figures rise significantly among long-haul visitors, reinforcing Scotland’s growing reputation as a global culinary destination.
For more information on Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Groups and the Global Culinary Travel Awards, please visit their respective websites: https://foodanddrink.scot/helping-business/services/growth/grow-regionally/regional-food-groups/
https://www.worldfoodtravel.org/global-culinary-travel-awards
photo credit Charles Macleod Butchers: Charles MacLeod Butchers, a key stop on the Eat Drink Hebrides trail, highlights the iconic Stornoway black pudding—one of the region’s most celebrated local products.
