Two chefs announced for forthcoming Shetland Food Fair

Two special guests have been announced for this year’s Shetland Food Fair, now just three weeks away.

The culinary duo consists of past chairman of the Master Chefs of Great Britain George McIvor and current honorary vice-president of the same organisation Bill Bryce.

The guests were revealed this week in a joint announcement from Seafood Shetland and Scottish Salmon Shetland.

During the three-day event at the end of this month the duo will cook up some of Shetland’s finest seafood and other local produce.

Mr McIvor, a chef with 30 years experience in luxury hotel kitchens, said: “A journey to the Shetland islands evokes many childhood memories of staying on my granny’s Highland croft and with that a deep appreciation of the commitment from crofters, fishermen, farmers and artisan producers to create and provide chefs the world over with the best of raw ingredients.

“Whether it be the finest seafood or the unique beef and lamb, local cheeses, sweet treats or a wee dram, Shetland produces a culinary opportunity not to be missed.”

Mr Bryce, a seafood specialist with 44 years experience in hospitality, was equally glowing when discussing the quality of Shetland produce.

He said: “I will only cook with the very best quality produce. In over 30 years of running my own restaurant, I have always used the fabulous fish and shellfish from Shetland.

“The salmon and the mussels cannot be bettered and my menus always reflect the gems from this wonderful place on earth.”

Scottish Salmon Shetland general manager David Sandison said he was “delighted” to welcome the chefs back for what is a repeat visit.

Mr Sandison said: “George and Bill are no strangers to Shetland, and we are absolutely delighted to have them return for this year’s Food Fair.

“Not only will visitors have the opportunity to pick up some useful cooking tips from the masters but, if they are very lucky, they may also get the chance to sample some of the many delights that they will be serving up.

“We often take for granted the quality of the produce on our doorstep, and it is useful to rediscover, through the eyes of others, just how fortunate we are to have direct access to food that is coveted by food connoisseurs throughout the world.”

Shetland Food Fair opens on Friday 28th October at Clickimin in Lerwick and runs until Sunday 30th October.