Celebrity chefs Nick Nairn and Jean-Christophe Novelli will form an Auld Alliance for this year’s Perthshire on a Plate festival.
The two-day extravaganza, part of the Perth Show, is expected to attract thousands of foodies from across the country.
The food and drink festival, on August 4 and 5, has been organised by the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce.
Chief executive Vicki Unite said the show will recognise local producers, as well as the region’s rich culinary talent.
“Perthshire on a Plate provides an exciting and colourful platform on which to showcase the best of local food and drink,” she said. “This will be our second year as an integral part of the long-established popular annual Perth Show which – being an agricultural festival – is the perfect fit for us.”
Looking forward to his special guest appearance on day one of the festival, French chef Novelli said: “It’s always a great thrill for me to visit Scotland and I’m looking forward to my first ever trip to Perth.
“Taking part in Perthshire on a Plate will be real pleasure. Perthshire has a wealth of wonderful produce and I hope to create dishes that will delight and inspire using the finest local ingredients.
“And all with a little French twist.”
Award-winning restaurateur Nick Nairn, who appears on day two, added: “I am absolutely delighted to be part of this year’s Perthshire on a Plate, showcasing the fantastic produce the region has to offer.
“I am passionate about spreading the word about Scotland’s fabulous larder and will be cooking up recipes at the event which will enthuse festival goers about the wonderful produce that surrounds them in Perthshire.”
The show will feature a full programme of demonstrations by local chefs and food experts.
There will also be a food pavilion where producers from across Tayside will host stalls.
Locally-based Polish, Chinese and Indian communities will also be encouraged to take part in the show and bring an international flavour to proceedings.
Perthshire on a Plate – also known as POAP – has been supported by Quality Meat Scotland. The festival will once again feature the popular Pop-Up Restaurants area where local eateries offer bite-sized samples of their typical menu favourites.
