“National Recognition for “Love to Eat” Initiative sets up food extravaganza”

Blairgowrie & East Perthshire Tourist Association is delighted to announce that the success of the “Love to Eat” project piloted in 2010 has been recognised by both national and local governments with the award of funding in excess of £70K, to continue this exciting initiative over the next 2 years. The next phase of the project is now being launched to undertake further work to promote the use of locally sourced food in eating establishments across the region.

Tracey Baxter, project leader, said “As a team, we are delighted to have been successful in securing this funding. It will help us to continue to build upon the excellent work started last year, supported by growers, producers and eating establishments.”

This project is being part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Rural Tayside LEADER 2007-2013 Programme. Additional funding is coming from the Perth and Kinross Council `Developing Rural Tourism Project`, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)and is a two year initiative between Perth & Kinross Council and Angus Council to develop rural tourism. BEPTA is also providing support.

We want to continue to raise standards so that we can encourage more visitors to the area to enjoy our excellent food and hospitality.”

Mike Purdie, Chairman of BEPTA said, “I want to thank all the funders for the support they are giving to this project. We believe “Love to Eat” is highly significant in promoting sustainable tourism in East Perthshire”.

A number of key events are planned over the next year and it is hoped that many of the local eating places will take part and run their own events to champion locally sourced food.
Tracey Baxter said “In continuation of last year’s campaign, we hope restaurants, coffee shops, bed & breakfasts and local food producers will all join in and work with us, to promote their particular products or services. We want this to involve the whole of the East Perthshire community”.

A number of key events will take place during the next 12 months starting with Cargill’s Bistro in Blairgowrie, launching their enhanced Scottish Seafood menu on April 23rd. Cargill’s have joined the Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall “Fish Fight”, which is championing sustainable fishing throughout the UK.