Local eateries shortlisted

TWO local businesses have been shortlisted for the finals of this year’s Highlands and Islands Food & Drink awards, which will be held in Inverness on 25 October.

Frankie’s Fish & Chip café and take away has been named in two categories – the best eatery award and the company’s Carlyn Kearney in the young shining star award.

Scalloway Hotel features as a finalist in the hotly contested restaurant of the year award, where the hotel faces stiff competition from Michelin starred Boath House near Nairn, Eighteen69@Auchrannie on Arran, The Glenview on Skye, Ninth Wave Restaurant on Mull and last year’s winner The Whitehouse Restaurant at Lochaline.

The awards are organised by the Highlands & Islands food & drink forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The agency’s Iain Sutherland said: “Once again, the judging for the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards was a challenge – but an enjoyable one – due to the volume of extremely high quality entries.

“The strength of the craft beer entries in particular is clear evidence of the vibrancy of the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands.”