Local success at Highlands and Islands food and drink awards

THERE has been some Shetland success at this year’s Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards.

No.88 in Lerwick won the best eatery prize, while Shetland Islands Council was given the judges’ award for its local food procurement.

Meanwhile Island Larder’s Paige Dennis was highly commended in the young ambassador of the year category.

The awards took place in Inverness earlier tonight (Friday).

No.88 said on social media that it was “over the moon” with its victory.

“This is for all the wonderful suppliers, the team and customers,” the restaurant said. “We would be nothing with out you guys.”

Chair of the judging panel was HIE’s Elaine Jamieson, who is head of food and drink and life sciences at the enterprise agency.

She said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. These businesses truly represent the very best of Scotland’s larder from the Highlands and Islands.

“This year we’ve had more entries than ever before, giving our judges a difficult job. The level of innovation, expertise and quality of our entries never ceases to amaze me and I feel incredibly grateful that the Highlands and Islands Food & Drink Awards gives us the opportunity to celebrate the amazing work that is being done within the sector.”

The event happens to come the day before this week’s Taste of Shetland food and drink festival, which is taking place at the Clickimin in Lerwick on Saturday and Sunday.