Perth Farmers’ market experienced a taste of international cuisine at the weekend.
Chefs specialising in Japanese, Thai and Indian food held a range of cooking demonstrations using local produce with an Asian twist.
Also accompanying the trio, who work in local restaurants, was a woman in Thai traditional costume.
Market manager Adeline Watson said: “This was a great opportunity for foodies to come along and get some ideas from the professionals on how to give the fantastic produce that Perthshire has to offer a little bit of an ethnic feel.
“Scotland is alive with international cuisine and here will be the chance for visitors to the market to pick up some tips and experience the fun of cooking with a difference.
“There are so many new influences in Scotland where food is concerned and the country has warmly embraced all these styles from around the world,” she said.
Fiona Richmond, project manager at Scotland Food and Drink, said: “It is fantastic to see these multi-cultural demonstrations being held across the country, helping the public discover Scotland’s natural larder to create tasty dishes with a global twist.
“With 2015 being the Year of Food and Drink, it is exciting that food lovers will be shown how top quality Scottish produce can be used in all sorts of interesting ways, reflecting consumer interest in international cuisine, from Thai and Indian to Middle Eastern, and our country’s cultural diversity.”
The market takes place in King Edward Street, Perth, on the first Saturday of every month. It has grown from small beginnings in 1999 and recently scooped the title of Farmers’ Market of the Year.
In June councillors granted the organisers permission to open until 10pm after the only objection to the plans was withdrawn.
At a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council’s licensing committee, Colin Heggie, of the roads department, said it had reconsidered its position following “new evidence”.
There had been concerns that there would be conflict caused by the presence of the market and people going for a night out.
However, Mr Heggie asked that organisers ensure access for fire engines is maintained, as well as keeping the main door of Debenhams clear.
The farmers’ market will now also be allowed to trade from vehicles, but only in cases of extreme weather.