Scotland’s year of food & drink kicks off Glaswegian style
If the outside temperature of this year’s Scottish Speciality Food Show in Glasgow can only be described as ‘baltic’, the overarching temperature inside was red hot with buoyant optimism. Optimism firstly for the quality, breadth and scope of what Scotland’s currently producing and exporting, especially in terms of speciality crafts and artisan produce – bear in mind Scotch whisky alone accounts for 25% of total UK food and drink exports. But there was also a tangible excitement in the air for ‘brand Scotland’ itself; an export the Scottish government is keen to see significant growth in this year.