Two renowned Borders-born chefs returned to the region in a bid to inspire food retailers to make the most of local produce.

Shirley Spear, synonymous with one of the country’s most respected eating establishments, the Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye and Glen Watson, former chef at Gleneagles and now a partner with The Albert Roux Consultancy in London, was the star attraction at a special Chefs Meet Borders Producers Event held at Tweed Horizons on 22nd September 2008.

The Scottish Borders Food Network event involved inviting hotels, restaurants, specialist food shops and caterers from across the region and Edinburgh to a showcase of cookery demonstrations, with accompanying local producer stalls offering the opportunity to sample their wares.

Jo Sutherland, from the Lodge at Carfraemill and Chair of the Scottish Borders Food Network said: “With the Borders Banquet taking place in November we felt this was the perfect type of event to have in advance of it to inspire local food providers to look at the wonderful array of local produce we have in the Borders and consider stocking it and using it in their menus. Through the support of Scottish Enterprise and a host of sponsors we have managed to secure the venue and entice Shirley and Glen back to their home stomping ground to allow businesses across the region to benefit from seeing them in action. Shirley will talk about her experiences of working with local produce and local ingredients while Glen will conduct a number of cookery demonstrations using local produce and attendees will also have the chance to network, browse the local producers stalls, taste samples and collect information.”

Glen Watson said: “A greater understanding between chefs and producers can reap real benefits, as the seasonality and locality of produce is of paramount importance. I am delighted to be involved with this event which I see as key in helping to build relationships that are beneficial to both the local food producers and those who sell and cook with their products.”

For more information on the Chefs Meet Border’s Producers Event and Scottish Borders Food Network's future events, please contact us by email on info@bordersfoodnetwork.co.uk.