NFU Scotland’s Ayrshire region will welcome almost 500 diners to the Union’s Annual Dinner on Monday 14 February at Fairmont, St Andrews, to enjoy the very best food that local producers have to offer. 

For a number of years now the annual dinner has been the highlight of the social calendar for many NFU members, with an incredible menu too tempting to pass up.  This year is no exception with many willing contributors who have so generously donated produce and financial assistance to the event.  NFUS has extended special thanks to its main sponsor this year, Morrisons.

Jimmy Ireland, Ayrshire regional chairman said:

“Ayrshire is steeped in both history and romance, so how appropriate that this event should fall on Valentine’s Day. We will be serving a superb menu of Ayrshire food showcasing the delicious produce that is grown and made in our beautiful county, and I’m sure that the guests will enjoy one of the finest meals they have ever had.”

Christine Cuthbertson, NFU Scotland’s Ayrshire regional manager, added:

“I am immensely proud to have been involved in sourcing Ayrshire produce for the NFUS Annual Dinner. The quality of food on offer from our region is incredible, and the support and generosity of the local businesses have been overwhelming.

“The starter of a Pheasant and Ayrshire Bacon terrine made by Braehead Foods is sure to tickle the tastebuds and the Beetroot glazed Ayrshire beef fillet from A K Stoddart will delight the guests with its tenderness and taste. The dessert of a trio of sweet carrot with ginger ice cream also shows the region’s innovative use of seasonal produce.”

“Ayrshire is most commonly thought of as a dairy region, but the menu on offer shows that while our region might be relatively small in size, we can pack a big punch across a wide variety of foods.  Ayrshire is also home to one of the longest standing farmers’ markets in Scotland, and has its own food network. We are delighted to be hosting the NFUS Annual Dinner this year.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

• NFU Scotland’s AGM will take place over two days, 14 and 15 February, at Fairmont, St Andrews. 
• An outline of the programme is as follows:

Monday 14 February

1300hrs                             AGM

1300 – 1320hrs                 Welcome, auditors report, questions

1320 – 1330 hrs                Chief Executive’s report

1330 – 1350hrs                 President’s report

1350 – 1415hrs                 Morrison’s – a modern farmer/retailer relationship

1415 – 1515hrs                 Holyrood Question Time – the impact of the Scottish Parliament on agriculture and the next four years. 

                                          Jenny Marra - Scottish Labour Party Candidate

                                          Willie Rennie  - Scottish Liberal Democrat Candidate

                                          John Scott MSP – Scottish Conservatives

                                          Maureen Watt MSP – Scottish National Party

1530 – 1630                      UK Minister of State for Agriculture and Food, Jim Paice MP, address and Q&A

1800 – 1900                      Drinks reception, sponsored by Diageo

1915hrs                             Annual Dinner, held in the Atrium

Tuesday 15 February

0900hrs                            Election of new NFU Scotland President & Vice-President

1015 – 1130hrs                Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment Richard Lochhead MSP – address and Q&A session   

• If you would like to speak with a member of the Communications team throughout the duration of the AGM please contact:

Bob Carruth: 07788 927 675

Sarah Anderson: 07920 018 619

Wendy Fleming: 07775 804 717             

• NFU Scotland would like to thank all those who have sponsored the Annual Dinner and AGM and/or given donations of food and drink. A full list of sponsors is available on request. 

Ends

Wendy Fleming on 0131 472 4020