Local food and drink legends invited to showcase Inverness at upcoming foodie event

Food and drink producers and caterers are being called on by Visit Inverness Loch Ness to take part in an exciting new event called The Taster of Inverness.

Industry experts and consumers will be welcome at the event in the city's Drumossie Hotel from 10am-3pm on November 2.

Speakers will include MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin, food author Ghillie Basan, Scotland Food & Drink's head of regional food Fiona Richmond and local food and drink creators Kelly and Adam known as ‘haimandawa’ on social media.

Visitors will also be able to buy from local producers at a showcase market at the venue.

Ms Richmond said: “Food and drink across our regions is legendary, and Inverness has some of the very best suppliers and producers that Scotland has to offer. Events like this are really important to get people excited about what’s on their doorstep, and I am delighted to be joining such an inspirational line-up of speakers. The marketplace will be a fantastic opportunity for businesses to get their products in front of industry representatives and the local community – I can’t wait to see what’s on offer this November.”

Delivered in partnership with the venue, Highland Council, Highland News and Media and Scotland Food & Drink, the event will bring together creative writers and social media specialists from all over the UK to experience what Inverness and Loch Ness have to offer.

A spokesperson for Visit Inverness Loch Ness said: "Over the course of the event, creators will gather content and feedback on the experiences we have to offer in our destination. The creators will receive itineraries for the days ahead, including a luxurious tasting menu at the fantastic and renowned Drumossie Hotel. With a host for the evening, Visit Inverness Loch Ness hopes this will be the start of many conversations as to why more visitors should visit the destination purely on its food and drink offerings and gather plenty of evidence that this is the case.

"To celebrate the event, Visit Inverness Loch Ness have released a brand new local food and drink video highlighting all the region has to offer. It highlights local produce and the farm to fork journey for buyers at home in the Highlands and across the world. The video concludes: 'From our wild mountains, fields and lochs, come and discover our local larder'."

Tickets to the Taster of Inverness event will go on sale at the end of September and will be available at www.visitinvernesslochness.com