NFU Scotland’s East Central region will welcome almost 500 diners to the NFU Scotland Annual Dinner on Thursday 18 February at Fairmont, St Andrews, to enjoy the 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 a menu too tempting to pass up.  This year is no exception, and we are, as ever, delighted to have so many willing contributors who have so generously donated produce, and financial assistance, to ensure the success of the event.  Those staying overnight will also enjoy a genuinely Scottish Breakfast, with the cooked breakfast options boasting local eggs, sausages, black pudding and a new development for Scotland - low salt bacon.

Scottish, UK and European politicians, including the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, Richard Lochhead MSP, will be present, as well as Senior Agricultural figures and representatives from other UK farming Unions and it will be a great opportunity for members to mix and mingle with them. 

The Annual Dinner menu features top quality produce from across the region, including; Scotch Beef Carpaccio, Dunkeld smoked salmon, Loin of Highland Glen Lamb served with black pudding, Angus berries, Nelsons ice cream, local cheese and oatcakes and even local sweeties including Tablet, Fudge and Mini Shortbread.  Head Chef Billy Campbell, of Fairmont St Andrews, will kindly prepare all of the courses.

Kate Maitland, NFU Scotland’s East Central Regional Manager, said:

“The whole of Scotland is famous world-wide for its quality food and drink, but it is great to have the opportunity through our Annual Dinner, to highlight the regional specialities.

“This year its the turn of East Central - and what a great opportunity to show the superb quality, and wide variety, of produce that the region has to offer.  Guests at the event are in for a real treat, with all seven courses showcasing the best food and drink available in Scotland.

“In addition to fine producers, the region is home to a number of quality food and drink manufacturers.  I would like to extend my thanks, on behalf of NFU Scotland, for all those who have generously sponsored the event and have donated food and drink.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

• NFU Scotland’s AGM will take place over two days, 18 and 19 February, at Fairmont, St Andrews.  The programme outline is as follows:

Thursday 18 February 2010

From 1130 hrs             Registration – Conference Foyer

1200– 1245 hrs           Buffet lunch

1300 hrs                      AGM – Ballroom

1400-1500 hrs             Policy debate

1500 – 1515 hrs          Tea/Coffee interval

1515 – 1700 hrs          Policy debate

1800 – 1900 hrs          Pre-Dinner Drinks Reception – Sponsored by Diageo

1915 hrs                      Annual Dinner will be held in the Atrium

2215 hrs                      After-Dinner speakers

2300 hrs                      Expected close of dinner

Friday 19 February 2010

0930 hrs                      2010/2011 National Council Meeting

                                    Nomination of Vice Presidents

                                    Presentation to RSABI/RHET

                                    John Miskelly Award

                                    NFUS Ambassador Award

1000 hrs                      Tea and coffee interval

1015 hrs                      Minister’s address and Q & A session

                                    THIS BRINGS THE OPEN MEETINGS TO A CLOSE

1130hrs                       Committee Meetings – Election of Committee Chairmen

1200 hrs                      Buffet lunch

1300 – 1400 hrs          Meeting of the new Board of Directors        

• 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 Irwin: 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:

Diageo, United Auctions, Highland Glen, Vion, Algo, Branston, John Guthrie Ltd, Masstock, Agricar Ltd, A.M. Phillip Ltd, Carrs Fertilisers, G. Reekie Group, John Watson Seeds Ltd, Nickersons – Advanta Ltd, Sellars Agricultural Ltd, Mackays, Mackie’s at Taypack, Mains of Murthly, Nelsons of Culross, Puddledub, Quaker Oats, RR Spink & Sons, Scot herbs, Simon Howie, St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese company, Allan Mackay, Campbell Dallas Chartered Accountants, Harrisons Fine Wines, Netherton Tractors Ltd, SAC, Glamis Castle, Summer Harvest, Taypack potatoes, WP Bruce (Peas) Ltd, ABP, Angus soft fruits, Cairnie Fruit farm, Fisher & Donaldson, Highland Fine Cheeses, Hutchison’s flour, David Sands, Dunkeld Smoked Salmon, East of Scotland Growers, Gloagburn Free-range Eggs, Gordon of Durward, Graham’s The Family Dairy, Heather Hills farm, Inveralmond Brewery, Kettle Produce.

Ends

Contact Wendy Irwin on 0131 472 4020