Scottish Food Writer Judged Best in World Scottish food writer and producer, Nichola Fletcher, has been recognised by the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards as Best Single Subject Cookery Book in the World.

Nichola Fletcher’s Ultimate Venison Cookery was short-listed from 33 ‘Best in Country’ books before being given the final accolade at a prestigious ceremony in London.

Well known for her books and articles on venison and Scottish food Nichola is a regular at farmers’ markets throughout Scotland and runs a specialist farm shop in Fife – a must for visiting foodies.

And it’s full marks to Sheila McConachie and Graham Harvey for what has to be one of the most eagerly awaited publications – lavishly illustrated and lovingly prepared, the book contains recipes for soups, meats, game, seafood, cakes, desserts all given a greater depth of flavour with a complimenting whisky.

Open this book and discover how just one wee dram of Scotch can transform a good dish into something sublime.

Experience a feast of West Coast food, wine, whisky and ales at the Loch Fyne Food and Drink Fair, held on 10-11 May 2008. Gastronomes will find a wide selection of local cheeses, smoked meats and chutneys to sample and buy.

A craft tent will house over 20 local producers at this informal event that takes place on the spectacular shores of Loch Fyne. .

Loch Fyne Restaurants Seafood Festival will take place from 19th - 23rd May 2008 Loch Fyne Restaurants’ week of celebrating the sea returns on 19th May with events, tastings and special offers all week.

Look out for more details at www.lochfyne.com

Castle Douglas Food Town Day take places on Saturday 24 May with food expert Wendy Barrie opening the festivities. Local chefs will be adding to the entertainment by hosting a 'Scottish Food Naturally Kitchen' demonstration with the support of Wendy Barrie and local food producers.

The Taste of Edinburgh Festival takes place from 29 May-1 June 2008. The event will be hosting over 20 of the city's top restaurants including Michelin-starred Martin Wishart, award-winning Dakota and Forth Floor at Harvey Nichols. All of them will be serving up signature dishes in sample sizes and entertaining visitors over the four days.

This year's features will include the Taste Kitchen where visitors will find their favourite chefs and food writers running demonstrations and tastings, celebrating the very best of Scottish food. Over 100 speciality food and drink producers will also be exhibiting at the event including the Whisky Tour where visitors will be able to watch and interact with leading industry whisky experts and taste a variety of Scottish whiskies.

The Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is set to return to Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch with one of the grandest settings that any festival could have with the Loch and Ben Lomond providing the scenic backdrop.

The Festival is a celebration and demonstration of great Scottish cooking and a showcase of excellent produce from within Scotland's first National Park and throughout Scotland.

Courses at the much lauded Mhor Fish (café/chip shop/fish shop) in Callendar will be launched in May.

Well known chef, Tom Lewis, will show participants how to scale, fillet and cook fish to perfection as well as giving talks from everything from why you choose local to environmental issues. The course includes a sumptuous lunch cooked by Tom.

The Tasting Room at Balbirnie House sounds almost X-Rated when you read their disclaimer:

Please note that The Orangery kitchens can sometimes operate without censorship of strong language, particularly ‘in the heat of service’. We feel legally duty bound to advise prospective clients against reserving if easily offended in these terms, should they arise. We also advise against reserving for guests under the age of 18.

Feis Ile, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music was founded by the local people of Islay in 1986 to celebrate the heritage and culture of Isle of Islay.

Since 2000 Feis Ile has been run in conjunction with the distilleries of Islay and Jura and Port Ellen Maltings. During the Festival Week each distillery has its own open day and puts on special events.

As well as a host of mainland artistes, Islay has a wealth of musical talent which is very much in evidence at the ceilidhs helps during the festival week.

The Old Course Hotel in St Andrews is re-launching its highly-acclaimed restaurant, The Road Hole Grill, located on the fourth floor of this iconic hotel.

With a host of features showcasing Scotland at its finest, the Road Hole Grill is set to become a must-visit gourmet destination for all food lovers.

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries.

Unlike older bottlings launched by other whisky makers, which are often limited editions, Highland Park’s 40-year-old will be a permanent fixture in its whisky line-up. Key artisan design elements of the Highland Park brand are clearly apparent.

MUSSELBURGH is set host its own farmers’ market Providing suitable sponsorship can be raised in time, a new Farmers Market is set to add to Scotland’s thriving market scheme.

Following in the footsteps of East Lothian’s Haddington Farmers Market, Mussellburgh farmers’ market is set to be held at Eskmills Business Centre on the edge of the ‘honest toun’.

In 2007, 400 restaurants raised over 300,000 through the Restaurants Against Hunger Campaign.

Restaurants Against Hunger was launched in 1998 by Action Against Hunger to raise vital funds for the worldwide fight against hunger by inviting food lovers all over the UK to help 'Make a difference by Eating Out'.

Fresh sea trout , sea bass and lemon sole with tasty samphire or asparagus are just some of the options for the food lovers table in May.

Broad beans and duck for salads or tasty little casseroles with new potatoes and carrots. Cherries hint at early summer months while raspberries and rhubarb have me choosing between tarts or sorbets.

The Whisky Cook Book

Lochnagar Chanterelles, Auchentoshan Stroganoff, Glenfiddich Raisin Bread.. these and the many others testify to the creativity of the cook and the expertise of the whisky connoisseur. The book combines food and whisky elements in a series of inspired recipes. Delicious!

www.whiskykitchen.com

Damhead Organics

Using all 7 acres of their land Damhead Organic now grow 40 varieties of produce including salads, beans, squashes, courgettes, leeks, spinach, chard and kale. Damhead Organics chose the products with care to avoid replicating those grown by other local organic farmers. In this way they are able to offer an exceptionally wide range of top quality local produce. .

www.damhead.co.uk/