Home Grown Talent

In partnership with Scotland Food & Drink

While the food and drink scene has faced more than its share of disruption over the past couple of years, an impressive ensemble of women in Scotland has nurtured, sustained and innovated in the face of adversity. Hood spoke to five of Scotland’s food and drink industry insiders and ambassadors on what comes next...

MEGAN BEAUDRY moved to Aberdeen from Canada over four years ago, and via social media has used her background in digital marketing to create an engaged community of like-minded Scottish tourism and foodie enthusiasts. Through her role as Food Tourism Ambassador for the north east and by focusing on showcasing the best things to eat, see and do across Scotland, Beaudry inspires her online audience to seek new experiences in the north east and beyond. ‘I am a strong believer that Aberdeen/shire is the most underrated region in Scotland. A short walk from our city centre can take you to a golden sand beach or to a dolphin viewing point, while a short drive will transport you straight into a fairy tale with ancient castles and coastal views for miles. In terms of food, whether you’re looking to dig into authentic fish and chips on the Beach Esplanade, or to indulge in an incredible tasting menu in Ballater, Aberdeen/ shire can cater to absolutely everyone.

‘When it comes to Scottish produce, it’s all about quality and accessibility. Not many countries can boast such an extensive range of the best meats, seafood, vegetables and fruit on their doorstep. Now it’s time for us to share the stories of Scottish food and drink, locally and internationally.’ @megbeaudryeats

VICTORIA MACDONALD recently sold her home to live in an upgraded campervan from which she and partner Scott run an online marketing company and work remotely from some of the most scenic views in Scotland. She’s taken up the role of Food Tourism Ambassdor for Scotland and agrees that storytelling is key.

‘Women already do an incredible job in the field of food and drink, either by eating local, dining local, celebrating local, or simply by supporting Scottish producers on their weekly shop. My hope, over time, is that Scottish produce will become more accessible on all budgets, and in every walk of life.

‘But Scottish food is packed with personality, heart, and soul. The Scottish foods well-known around the world already have a story behind them, and I think our job now is telling the stories and showing the faces of the people behind the production. As 2022 is Scotland’s Year of Stories, could there be more of a relevant time to showcase the Scottish grit, humour, and determination of the people behind the plate?’
@theayelife

RONNIE MURRAY-POORE, from Perthshire, is one of nine members of the Tea Gardens of Scotland. This pioneering collaboration has successfully achieved its mission to produce a revolutionary wave of authentic, hand- crafted Scottish tea.

‘We each forged new careers as tea planters, transforming abandoned walled gardens, diversifying farms and converting home gardens in Perthshire, Fife and Angus and Kincardineshire. By sharing glasshouses and machinery, and acting as a united force, we propagated tea plants from seed in distinctive sheltered micro-climates around the country.’

The result of the collaboration is a 100% pure Scottish-grown black tea. Golden, smooth and with sweet notes of dried fruits, caramel and chocolate, it is slightly woody, layered and complex. ‘The Scottish climate is really challenging and conditions here are marginal – but we are succeeding to grow and process unique, speciality artisan teas, making Scottish tea one of the rarest teas in the world.’

@teagardensofscotland

ROSIE JACK is the Markets and Events Manager at Bowhouse, a food collective at the Balcaskie Estate in the East Neuk of Fife, as well as a Food Tourism Ambassador for Fife.

‘Our aim is to bring our customers closer to their local produce, which in some cases is grown in the fields that surround their towns and villages.

‘In our fields, you don’t need to go far to find tasty, sweet strawberries or fresh cauliflower, potatoes and carrots, to name a few. Our coastline villages are renowned for their fish and seafood throughout the year meaning Fife’s local food and drink scene is plentiful all year round.

The Scottish food and drink landscape is shaped by those with passion and expertise.

I think we are seeing an increase of successful female-led and founded businesses in Scotland because women are such strong collaborators. Women also bring a whole new outlook and set of skills to the agriculture industry too. This is something we definitely want to continue to encourage.’

@rosie_eats_local

ANNA HOCK is the owner and producer of Orsay Sea Salt. Based in the Scottish Islands, she is fully immersed in the local culture.

‘I have worked in the food and drink industry my entire life, from pouring pints in a bar, to serving the finest seafood at a local restaurant and on to various roles within a distillery.

‘As the daughter of a hill shepherd and wife of a crab and lobster fisherman, I have experienced first-hand the roles each plays as part of the Scottish food and drink supply chain.

‘I have been lucky to live in a community where the celebration of our food and drink is ingrained in us, and the enjoyment of them also provides us with a sense of home and belonging.

‘My home islands are known for whisky and seafood but there are artisan products entering the market like cheese, gin and chocolate, all of which have a vital role in our local economy. For me, the salt harvesting process itself ignites a spark within – being out on the sea, surrounded by the roaring waves is a magical feeling that is hard to put into words. When the large, unique crystals form on our salt floor it satisfies the passion I have for the work I do, and emphasises just how special our oceans are – something which I delight in being able to share with everyone.

‘Scotland has something special to offer and many women have a prominent role to play. Having a balanced workforce allows us to shift the culture of food and drink by harvesting the trends that a diverse industry can tap into, harnessing the influence of women and their knowledge and experience of Scottish food and drink and ensuring our voices are heard.’

@orsayseasalt