Flavour of Shetland

17-20 June 2010

Flavour of Shetland showcases islands finest to record visitors

June 24 2007

This year’s Flavour of Shetland event has broken last year’s record of footfall – recording a staggering 43,400 visits to Victoria Pier from 21 to 24 June, a 21 per cent increase on the 2006 event.

The event has also exceeded expectations on all counts for craft stall holders and food outlets, while the invited guest chefs had nothing but praise for the outstanding quality of hand picked local ingredients provided by suppliers for the cookery demonstrations.

Master Chef Colin Bussey commented: “We were privileged to be able to visit the fish market with artisan fish merchant Dave Parham to see the variety of species landed and available to buy that day; the choice and quality of the fresh product was absolutely tremendous.

“We have been provided with superb seafood and fabulous lamb to create a number of mouth watering dishes for the assembled crowds including rump of lamb with gremolata crust and Italian bean stew. We smoked the lamb over peat and wood chips and the resulting taste was very well received by everyone who tried it.

“We are also using Blackwood’s gin, fantastic butter from Shetland Farm Dairies, halibut from the Shetland Halibut Company and wonderful salad leaves from Pete and Linda Glanville.

“Shetland is very lucky to have people and suppliers who are so passionate about good food. As an island community, you are blessed to have such an outstanding range of produce.”

Bo Simmons of the Olive Tree felt that the event was excellent for visitors and there was a lovely atmosphere on the pier. She said: “There is certainly a good variety of food available for everyone to enjoy and it is great fun to be part of Flavour of Shetland. We’ve been very busy over the four days, giving the hungry crowds the opportunity to taste a true local flavour of the islands. Perhaps it might be an idea to expand the food section for future events, to include a farmer’s market, which would give a new dimension to tasting the range of produce available here.”

Bestafoys Catering by Herrislea House Hotel is headed up by Marjorie Williamson. She echoed Bo’s comments on how busy the event had been. “Our new saucermeat koftas have been very popular and we sold out entirely on the first day, which meant that I had to go home to make more to satisfy the partygoers’ appetite. Likewise, people have kept coming back for more lamb korma and our lamb burgers have been selling like hot cakes.

“It certainly has been very worthwhile to be part of the event and everyone is so supportive, which makes it a very enjoyable experience.”

Food product stallholders were also struck by the crowds milling around. Steven Bell of Merrie Dancers noted that Thursday had been a particularly busy day. He said: “We have sold a substantial amount of curds and marmalades and have had to go home each night to make more. I would have to say that it has certainly been more successful for us this year.

“The layout is much better this time around; the stalls are set out more like a miniature street giving visitors the opportunity to wander in and out of the stalls. It is much more intimate and I feel it makes for a better shopping experience.

“I think it’s very important for us to be here. The more places you’re seen at, the more people get to know you and what you do. This is a very informal setting where prospective customers are more likely to stand and chat to you.”

The man behind Peerie Treats is Nigel Thompson. He, too, has enjoyed a very busy event. “Our Scallywag sweets will be the first to sell out. Attending Flavour of Shetland is a good boost for our sales figures and gives us the perfect opportunity to speak to members of the public and get their feedback on our confectionery.

“We are able to offer the full range of flavours here, which are not available in the local shops. We also provide tastings, which encourages people to try and buy new varieties. We would definitely take part in Flavour of Shetland next year – we look forward to it every year.”

The craftspeople had equally positive comments about the event. Wendy Inkster of Burra Bears said it had been really fantastic. “We’re still doing a roaring trade in the ‘Spirit of Shetland’ ponchos after launching them three years ago. They seem to appeal to everyone. Our bears are also selling really well and the new addition miniatures are proving particularly popular.

“This is a brilliant weekend with a great holiday atmosphere and it’s certainly well worth taking part. It’s a particularly important way of getting exposure for your products if, like me, you don’t have your own shop front.”

Business partners Donna Smith and Joanna Gair of Ninian set out their individual stalls, Donna Smith Designs and Joanna Hunter Knitwear. Joanna Gair said of the event: “It’s an absolutely fantastic weekend and is extremely well organised. It’s very good exposure for us to raise our profile to people who perhaps don’t come into the shop, and hopefully it will help to generate future sales too.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to launch new products and I’ve brought along new lambswool garments with buttons and Fair Isle patches, for which we have received a lot of interest.

“So far, I would have to say it has been steadier this year and it’s certainly very worthwhile being here. I’d love to be part of Flavour of Shetland again.”

Elsewhere on the pier, festival goers enjoyed storytelling sessions with Davy Cooper and invited guests, while children were entertained by Cheeko the Clown performing games and magic tricks. The packed activities tent also housed soft play, face painting, traditional craft activities and a rowing challenge.

Commenting on the success of this year’s festival, organiser Nicola Halcrow said: “This year’s event has exceeded our expectations and we’re delighted with the level of footfall recorded, some of which we must attribute to the crowds attracted to the town centre for the summer carnival.

“Flavour of Shetland began as a celebration of Shetland to complement the NatWest Island Games in 2005 but its growing popularity proves it is now established as a major annual event in the islands.”