Marian to China

A SHETLAND food writer will represent Scotland at a global cookbook awards ceremony in China at the end of the month.

Marian Armitage’s Shetland Food and Cooking will feature in the local cuisine section of the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Yantai between 28 and 31 May.

The writer’s 2015 book previously won a regional Scottish award and she will head to China to deliver a presentation about Shetland.

Armitage is the chairwoman of the new Shetland Food and Drink Association, while she also has 35 years experience of teaching about food and nutrition.

“It is a great honour to be nominated for this award,” she said.

“I am very proud to be a Shetlander and to have this opportunity to show the beauty and characteristics of the Shetland Islands to the wide audience that will be present for the weekend’s celebrations.

“Shetland food and drink is undergoing a renaissance as more and more people are interested in source and provenance.

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“We have the very best fish of all kinds, delicious lamb, beef and pork, island milk and dairy produce and an ever-increasing range of fruit and vegetables through the use of polycrubs, while our home baking is legendary.”

VisitScotland’s Shetland manager Steve Mathieson meanwhile reaffirmed food and drink’s pivotal role in promoting the isles to tourists.

“Food and drink is a recipe for success in Scottish tourism and integral to the visitor experience,” he commented.

“Shetland is playing its part with its amazing natural larder, more establishments such as Scalloway Hotel, Hay’s Dock and Frankie’s being recognised for the excellence of their cuisine and more high quality products, from smoked salmon, chutney and fudge, to Shetland ale, whisky and gin, entering the marketplace.

“We wish Marian well at the awards and hope her appearance will inspire others to make the journey to taste Scotland for themselves.”