Putting a taste of Perthshire's finest into visitors' breakfasts
Tourism businesses in Perth and Kinross are being encouraged to make use of locally sourced produce when serving up breakfast to their guests.
- By Mark Mackay
- Published in the Courier : 25.08.10
- Published online : 25.08.10 @ 11.21am
The initiative to develop a Perthshire Breakfast is being targeted at the area's bed and breakfast, guest house and hospitality businesses.
The new pilot scheme will encourage businesses to retain their own culinary creativity, offering their usual breakfast choices but with a higher proportion of locally produced food.
Businesses can choose what produce to use at different times of year and present dishes using their own imagination and flair to ensure that Perthshire Breakfasts are as individual as the accommodation businesses themselves. They are asked to commit to using at least 50% of Perthshire-sourced and seasonal produce in their breakfast.
They are also being asked to attend a full-day Perthshire Breakfast Workshop at the Let's Cook cookery school in Abernethy. This will teach them about easily sourced local ingredients and provide new recipe ideas that can be incorporated into a Perthshire Breakfast.
Perth and Kinross Council's enterprise and infrastructure convener John Kellas said, "A Perthshire Breakfast would shine a spotlight on the huge variety of delicious, seasonal local food found in Perthshire. From outstanding raspberries and mouth-watering soft fruit to fresh free range eggs and honey, from top quality beef, lamb and game to wild boar, succulent venison and an array of vegetables, Perthshire is unbeatable.
"The initiative will give visitors to our area the chance to experience this top-quality produce, ensuring that they know where their food has come from and the story behind it and creating a very positive image for Perthshire. It will also considerably strengthen the links between the tourism industry and food producers, which will support the local economy.
"Another clear benefit is that because the food is locally sourced, transportation miles are reduced, making the scheme environmentally friendly."
Three B&B and guest house owners in Perthshire — Rose Cottage in Aberfeldy, Gilmore House in Blairgowrie and the Beinn Bhracaigh Guest House in Pitlochry — are already taking part by offering their guests a Perthshire Breakfast.
"Initial feedback from visitors to these guest houses has been extremely positive and the council is keen to include more businesses across the area in the initiative," Mr Kellas added.
"If you are an accommodation or catering business who is interested in offering a Perthshire Breakfast we would be delighted to provide information about the initiative. A series of full-day Perthshire Breakfast Workshops is scheduled for this autumn and winter."
Anyone interested in finding out more about the scheme can call Fiona Meikle on 01738 477956 or email fmeikle@pkc.gov.uk
Photo used under a Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user Muffet.
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