Celebrity chef Phil Vickery has been chosen to open the Perthshire On A Plate festival at this year’s Perth Show.
The This Morning star will head up a day of cookery demonstrations on his first visit to the Fair City.
TV regular Phil, who shot to fame on programmes including Ready Steady Cook, the Holiday Programme and Phil Vickery’s Pudding Club, said: “It’s been too long since I visited Perthshire and I’ve never been to Perth itself.
“I have always been a great admirer of Scottish food and farming so it will be great to see what they are up to. I look at Perthshire On A Plate and Perth Show as a chance for me to learn as well as sharing my experience and recipes.”
The star said he will be “spoiled for choice” when it comes to selecting Perthshire produce for his demonstration recipes.
“The quality of Scottish produce is legendary in food circles – from game to wild salmon; smokeries; great lamb, beef and game and of course very good whisky. The Scottish have a long tradition of quality and thoughtful produce.”
And he said he was looking forward to meeting fans, food lovers, farmers, local chefs and producers during his day long appearance.
“The people who farm, produce and create the food we eat are my people – I have farmed for years and I know the hard work that goes into producing food,” he said.
“It’s so much more than a job.
“It will be lovely to mingle with these people, to hear their stories and meet the good people of Perthshire and beyond who have the good sense to attend.”
The following day Masterchef – The Professionals winner Gary Maclean will take centre stage at the festival, which takes place on the South Inch from August 2.
Gary, who is senior lecturer at City of Glasgow College, said: “Perthshire is home to the most amazing food. I will not only be showcasing the incredible produce, I can’t wait to meet and chat with the local producers as well.”
He said he was particularly looking forward to working with professional cookery students from Perth College UHI who will be assisting him throughout his demonstrations.
“It’s fantastic to see students getting involved in foodie events around the country, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate their cooking skills but at the same time, gain experience and grow in confidence,” he added.
