News

Cooking up a storm with top chef Nick Nairn at the Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2010 – and last call for entries!

Nick Nairn, Scotland’s best known chef, will share his passion for excellence with award winners and guests at this year’s Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards taking place on 29 October 2010. Fellow BBC Scotland colleague, Catriona Shearer, will host the glittering ceremony at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness.  

Nick Nairn opened his first restaurant over 20 years ago and became the youngest chef in the country to be awarded a Michelin star. He is a familiar face to many as presenter of Landward, BBC Scotland’s rural affairs programme, and of other programmes such as Ready Steady Cook and the frenetic Iron Chef UK. 

Businesses and individuals are reminded that it is last call for entries for the area’s most prestigious food and drink prizes. To be in the running for an Award this year, entries must be submitted by the deadline of 28 June 2010. Open to businesses and individuals in the food and drink industry of the Highlands and islands, the Awards are sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

Categories for this year include awards recognising healthier food and drink, good environmental practice, innovation, businesses working in collaboration with each other, as well as new products and new businesses. The popular Taste of the Highlands & Islands Restaurant of the Year and the Young Ambassador of the Year will also feature at the glittering Awards ceremony at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on 29 October 2010.

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: “Nick Nairn is one of Scotland’s great food ambassadors, well-known for supporting the use of local produce to maximise on flavour and quality in his dishes. I’m looking forward to hearing more about Nick’s own experiences of establishing a successful food business through his restaurant and cookery school – sharing best practice is a great way to encourage high standards throughout our industry.”

Hazel Gordon, chairman of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Forum, said: “We are delighted Nick Nairn will give the keynote speech at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards. As one of the UK’s top chefs, his enthusiasm for food and food related issues is self-evident and, added to this, he is able to bring his experience of building and operating his business in the food and drink industry. We look forward to hearing all about it at the Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards in October. I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to get their entries in now – don’t miss out!”

More information on the Awards is available at www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com

 

Run faster and raise cash for charity in the 2010 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

Runners keen to enter the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon this year are encouraged to sign up now for a charity place for the event. Although general entry has already closed, charity, club and overseas entries remain open until 13 September 2010.

Taking up a charity place at the event on 3 October 2010 gives participants the opportunity to maximise the return from their efforts by raising cash for one of the charities associated with Baxters Loch Ness Marathon. There are five nominated charities for the event – Alzheimer Scotland, Breast Cancer Care, Highland Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care – and over 30 other associated national and Scottish charities. Full details are available at www.lochnessmarathon.com/charities .

Runners in the 2010 Festival will enjoy the benefit of improvements to the Marathon course, likely to bring about faster times, as well as a new finish line closer to the centre of the Highland capital, Inverness.

Lorna Simpson of Breast Cancer Care Scotland said: “By running for Breast Cancer Care Scotland or any one of the five nominated or over 30 associated charities at Baxters Loch Ness Marathon you will have an experience to remember, while at the same time benefiting others. Guaranteed places are still available for our charity and for many others, and I know our unrivalled cheering squads will help you through the toughest miles on the day! We are very grateful to all Breast Cancer Care Scotland runners, and to everyone else who will be running for other good causes on 3 October, supporting people when they need it most.”

Bill King, chief executive, Baxters, said: “We are proud to sponsor the Loch Ness Marathon for the ninth year running and looking forward to supporting all of the people that turn out on the day to run and help raise money for charity. The event is always a great success and it’s great to see so many people taking part and raising money for all of the charities involved. We wish everyone the best of luck preparing for the marathon and look forward to another great event.”  

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said:  “The Loch Ness Marathon is quite simply one of the best running events in the world, consistently attracting top class athletes and thousands of runners each year.  The change to the route for 2010 will provide competitive runners with a chance to achieve a personal best and the sensational scenery along Loch Ness will ensure all those running will have an unforgettable day.  The Loch Ness Marathon brings huge benefits to the Scottish Highlands, from economic impact and media profile to the tens of thousands of pounds which are raised for deserving charities through the run each year.  It’s a great asset to the area and we are delighted to be supporting it.”

Organisers have announced a significant increase in the entries across all events in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running for the second year in a row.

Event and race director, Malcolm Sutherland, said: “We are delighted to see that Marathon entries are up on the same period last year, a fantastic achievement following the increase in 2009. The new location for the finish line and Festival Village in the Bught Park brings the event closer to Inverness city centre, making it more accessible for everyone. The new location will offer more space and greater flexibility to develop participant and spectator facilities in years to come. Together with the faster course, these improvements have had a positive response encouraging more runners to take part, both from the local area and others travelling to the Highlands.”

Malcolm continued: “I’d like to remind everyone that entries are open for all other events in the Festival until 13 September – the Baxters River Ness 10K, the 10K Corporate Challenge and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run. With more people participating in all events this year, I’d encourage anyone thinking of taking part to enter now to be sure of a place.”

Over 7800 people, including former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, entered the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running in 2009. The removal of the ballot system continues to prove popular with runners, and organisers expect a further increase in entries for the event on 3 October 2010.  For more information, visit www.lochnessmarathon.com.

 

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon – new finish-line offers potential for faster course!

Less than two weeks before guaranteed entry closes on 1 May!

A new Baxters Loch Ness Marathon finish-line offers potential for runners to achieve faster times for this year’s event and a new finish arena will provide a better experience for everyone attending the Festival of Running on Sunday 3 October 2010.

To allow for improved facilities for participants and spectators, organisers of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running have announced that the event finish line will be moved closer to the city centre, with runners crossing the finish line adjacent to the River Ness at Bught Park, Inverness.  

A tented Festival village will be created around the finish line in Bught Park. As well as runner facilities, it will provide the focus for the Festival, including an exciting programme of live entertainment and activities for all to welcome both local runners and those travelling to the Highlands.  

Although the finish line is the only major change to the course, a corresponding move in the start-line at Whitebridge on the south-side of Loch Ness will provide a faster start for the marathon, which is expected will generate faster times overall.  A similar move in the start and finish lines for the Baxters River Ness 10K will also apply.

Runners are reminded that guaranteed entries for the 2010 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon must be submitted by midnight on 1 May 2010. To enter now or for more information, runners should visit www.lochnessmarathon.com.

There are marathon places available for charity, club and overseas runners until 13 September, as well as places in the Baxters River Ness 10K, the 10K Corporate Challenge and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run.

Over 7800 people, including former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, entered the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running in 2009. The removal of the ballot system continues to prove popular with runners, and organisers expect a further increase in entries for the event on 3 October 2010.   

Event & Race Director, Malcolm Sutherland, said: “This new location for the finish line and Festival Village will provide additional space for the event, and therefore greater flexibility for developing participant and spectator facilities. As well as offering an enhanced experience on the day, we expect the new start line for the marathon to give a faster course, encouraging both local runners and those travelling to the Highlands for the event with the opportunity to achieve a faster time! With the popularity of the event continuing to grow, Bught Park offers a great location for us to accommodate the increased number of runners and participants on the day.”

Malcolm continued: “I’d like to remind everyone that entries are open for all other events in the Festival until 13 September – the Baxters River Ness 10K, the 10K Corporate Challenge and the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run. With entry up for all events again this year, I’d encourage anyone thinking of entering to get their entry in as soon as possible to be sure of a place.”
 

Although entry for guaranteed places closes soon, charity places are still available for this year’s event until 13 September – visit www.lochnessmarathon.com/charities for full details of how to enter and combine running with supporting your favourite cause. There are five nominated charities for the event (Alzheimer Scotland, Breast Cancer Care, Highland Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care), and over 35 other associated national and Scottish charities. Club runner and overseas places are also available until 13 September.

 

Launch of Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 2010

Entries are open for the 2010 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards it was announced today.

Sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in the area’s food and drink industry. 

Categories for this year include awards recognising healthier food and drink, good environmental practice, innovation, businesses working in collaboration with each other, as well as new products and new businesses. The popular Taste of the Highlands & Islands Restaurant of the Year and the Young Ambassador of the Year will also feature at the glittering Awards ceremony, due to take place at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on 29 October 2010. 

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: “Williamson Foodservice is very pleased to be supporting the Awards as title sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. We know the importance of providing excellent product and service – encouraging high standards through the Awards is a great match for our business.”

Reid’s of Caithness won the New Product Award in 2009 for a new range of cakes and biscuits developed by the firm. Gary Reid of Reid’s of Caithness, commented: “We were delighted to win the award in 2009 – everyone in the team played a part and we were very proud to take the trophy back to Caithness. On a practical level, winning the Award has certainly helped us to grow our market in Scotland. It has also given our family business the confidence to develop more new products and to develop new markets for these products.”  

Hazel Gordon, chairman of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Forum, said: “Although operating in difficult economic times, the food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands continues to go from strength to strength. Through the Awards, the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Forum encourages best practice across the industry and recognises the contribution of individuals and businesses across the area.”

Chris Taylor, HIE's Head of Tourism, Food and Drink, said: "The Highlands and Islands is home to some of the finest produce on the planet, as shown year on year in the exceptionally high standards at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards.  The food and drink sector is a vital economic force across the area and has great potential for further development, but it also plays a key role in marketing the Highlands and Islands as a holiday/visitor destination to the rest of the world. This is all the more important in 2010, Scotland's Year of Food and Drink.”   

More information on the Awards is available at www.hifoodanddrinkawards.com .

 A monster charity total for the First Monster Challenge

 FirstGroup, Britain’s largest transport operator and organisers of the First Monster Challenge, has announced that the 2009 120km duathlon event raised more than £172,000 for good causes.  The gruelling September event attracted a sell out field, with more than 1,000 competitors, including celebrities Nell McAndrew and Gavin Hastings.  

 

All participants were encouraged to raise money for First’s charity partner, Save the Children.  Many other charities also benefited from the team relay duathlon including: Cancer Research, NSPCC, British Heart Foundation, Dreams Come True, the Highland Hospice, RNLI, Cancer Research, Alzheimer Scotland, Help for Heroes and others.

Sir Moir Lockhead, Chief Executive of FirstGroup said, “One of the main aims in organising and hosting the First Monster Challenge is to raise money for good causes, in particular Save the Children.  We are delighted to have raised a record charity total for the event.  Thank you to everyone who took part and to everyone who sponsored a friend or colleague.  Let’s hope we can raise even more in 2010!”

Nell McAndrew said: “£172,000 is an amazing total.  It’s great to see that such a fantastic event can also provide much needed support to so many charities, in particular Save the Children.”

Gavin Hastings said: “To have sold out in only its third year is a great achievement for the First Monster Challenge.  But for the event to have also raised more than £172,000 whilst the nation is in the midst of a recession is exceptional.  I am already looking forward to Monster 2010.”

Monster 2008 raised more than £140,000.

Monster 2009 was won by Inverness team, the Great Glen Grunters.  They completed the course in a time of 5 hours 38 minutes, some three minutes short of the course record.  

The First Monster Challenge, which has been officially accredited by the British Triathlon Foundation, is a 120km team relay duathlon around the shores of Loch Ness.  In teams of four, each competitor is required to complete two legs of the eight-legged event – one 10km run and one 20km cycle.

Sweet taste of success for winners at 2009 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards 

Businesses and individuals in the food and drink industry from across the Highlands and Islands enjoyed the sweet taste of success tonight (Friday 23 October) as the winners of this year’s Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards were announced at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness.

The judging panel of industry experts shortlisted more than 35 businesses and individuals for the Awards. Sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scotland Food & Drink, the Awards celebrate excellence and achievement in the area’s food and drink industry.
Over 250 guests at the Awards dinner were entertained by Albert Roux, OBE and Maître Cuisinier de France. Mr Roux opened his first Scottish restaurant, Chez Roux at Rocpool Reserve, in Inverness earlier this year.

The inaugural Young Ambassador of the Year Award recognising a young person’s outstanding contribution and achievement in the Highlands and Islands food and drink sector, sponsored by Polaris Learning Ltd, was presented to Caroline Gregory of The Lovat Arms Hotel, Fort Augustus. The judging panel were very impressed by Caroline’s remarkable commitment to business, social responsibility, the environment and the local community and is an outstanding role model for others. Caroline’s business, The Lovat Arms Hotel in Fort Augustus, also took home the Judges’ Recognition Award sponsored by Williamson Foodservice which recognises and rewards excellence in any category or for one particular entry.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead said: “The food and drink industry in the Highlands and Islands employs around 30,000 people and is home to 25 per cent of Scotland’s food and drink manufacturing businesses.  These awards recognise and celebrate the quality produce created by the many highly skilled and innovative companies across the region.
“Part of the reason Scotland’s food and drink industry is currently thriving is because our restaurants, hotels, fishermen, farmers, retailers, producers and suppliers are working in partnership to deliver world class produce. We must continue to grow our nation’s appetite for our first class produce and we will support our producers and suppliers every step of the way as we strive to enhance Scotland’s international reputation as a land of food and drink.
“All of those nominated have shown excellence in innovation and I have really enjoyed tasting the best produce that the Highlands and Islands has to offer.”

Albert Roux, guest speaker at the Awards dinner, said: “I can’t stress enough the importance of these competitions. They bring the best out of you and even if you do not win you learn a tremendous amount on the way.
“You have a multitude of talent in Scotland – something clearly demonstrated in our kitchens where we are training a large number of young Scots chefs.
“My family and I are extremely proud to have been involved in teaching some of the youngsters who today are the shining light of Scotland.  They have fantastic produce to work with. Now all they need is an appreciative audience to perform for – people who are prepared to pay that little bit extra to get nothing but the best.”

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: “Recognising excellence in the food and drink sector of the Highlands and Islands is the aim of the Awards and, as chair of this year’s judging panel, I know that this has been achieved tonight. I’d like to congratulate all Award winners tonight and, in particular, Caroline Gregory who received the inaugural Young Ambassador of the Year Award, as well as the Judges’ Recognition Award for her business, the Lovat Arms Hotel in Fort Augustus.

Hazel Gordon, chairman of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Forum, said: “The Forum is delighted to congratulate all our Award winners tonight. I know our hard-working judging panel were very impressed with the high standard of entries across all categories for the Awards; while this made their job particularly challenging this year, it shows that the industry in the Highlands and Islands continues to go from strength to strength.
Chris Taylor, HIE's Head of Tourism, Food and Drink, said: "The food and drink industry is very important to the economy of the Highlands and Islands. HIE would like to congratulate those nominated for the Awards as it showcases the extremely high quality within the industry.”

 Record breaking Simon Tonui wins 2009 Loch Ness Marathon

 

 

   Simon Tonui of Birchfield Harriers was the winner of the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon today (Sunday 4 October), crossing the finish line in a record 2 hours 20 minutes and 13 seconds, beating the previous course record set by Thomas Abyu in 2003 by 46 seconds. Runner up for the second year in a row was David Kirkland of Alnwick Harriers (2:23:55). In third place was Christopher Wilson from Ron Hill Cambuslang Harriers (2:26:55).
The women's race was won by Joice Kirui of Birchfield Harriers, with a time of 2:48:25. Bridget Coomber of UK Athletics Club took second place in a time of 2:58:56 and Pamela Tosh from Aberdeen AAC was third (3:02:15).
Kenyan Simon Tonui, winner of the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon, said: "I'm very happy that I broke the course record. I enjoyed the run – the people along the route were very cheerful and the scenery was wonderful".
Joice Kirui, winner of the women's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and also originally from Kenya, said: "I enjoyed running the course. This was my first time running the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and it was great to see whole families – grandparents, children, everyone – out to celebrate and cheer on the runners."
Winner of the Baxters River Ness 10K was Lukas Wambua of Kenya with a time of 30:32. Second was Robert Turner of Harmeny Athletic Club with a time of 33:14. Third was Karl Simpson of Shetland AAC with a time of 34:29.
In the women's 10K race, Genet Measso of Ethiopia won in a time of 34 minutes and 51 seconds. Second in the 10K was Inverness Harriers runner Melissa Whyte (35:18), followed by Jenny Bannerman (39:06) in third place, also Inverness Harriers. Melissa Whyte is currently the top runner in the UK for female 10K runners in the over 45 age group.
The fastest team home in the Healthy Working Lives 10K Corporate Challenge was Maestros in a cumulative time of 3:04:54.
Winner of the GORE RUNNING WEAR™ Runners Club Award 2009 (for fastest running club members male and female) were Simon Tonui and Joice Kirui respectively.
The first person resident within the Highland area across the finishing line was Steven Cameron and he receives the inaugural HSPC Gerald Cooper Memorial Cup, with a £1000 donation to the charity of his choice.
The Macdonalds stormed home as winners of the Run Home Clan Challenge celebrating Scotland's Year of Homecoming, beating ancient clan rivals the Mackenzies into second place.
Over 7500 runners entered the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running which took place today in almost perfect running conditions with brilliant autumn sunshine and very little wind.
Over forty different nationalities were represented at the event, with athletes from as far afield as Australia, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Nepal, USA and Zimbabwe.
Malcolm Sutherland, Event & Race Director, said: "Training for an event like this takes real dedication and I'd like to extend our congratulations to everyone participating today. Thank you too to runners supporting our associated charities and helping others through the event. I hope we'll see you all again next year and that everyone going home with great memories of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running will pass the word on to their friends and families and encourage them to come to the event next year!"
Bill King, Chief Executive, Baxters said: "The atmosphere around the finish arena and along the course today has been superb – its been great to see so many people enjoying the event. Well done to everyone who took part and a special thanks to everyone who supported the event by raising cash for charity."
Konnie Huq, former Blue Peter and Top of the Pops television presenter, said: "I've had a great visit to the Highlands of Scotland – the fantastic mountain scenery and views of Loch Ness were breathtaking. Even the Baxters River Ness 10K run through the Highland capital, Inverness, took me along a route beside the beautiful River Ness and the castle standing proud above it – this must be one of the most scenic runs in the country! It was fantastic to be involved with the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running and to see all that magnificent training and commitment pay off for the runners and the many charities that benefit from the event. Thank you to everyone for making me so welcome – I'll definitely be back!"
Lochaber High School Pipes and Drums gave a rousing start to the Marathon runners lined up at Whitebridge, and hundreds of spectators enjoyed the autumn sunshine as they cheered runners along the route. Meanwhile the Easter Ross Schools Pipe Band entertained participants in the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run and, later, contributed to an exciting programme of entertainment in Queens Park Stadium in Inverness, the finish arena for all events. The festival entertainment programme also featured historical re-enactments from Battlescar, children's activities, retail stalls, Highland produce and music from accordionist Cameron Kellow and guitarist Alasdair Taylor, ceilidh band Or, and Clanadonia.
Last year the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running attracted an additional £1.87M to the economy of the local area.
Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is popular with people raising money for charity, as shown by the fantastic £579,188 raised from the 2008 event, benefiting hundreds of charities and communities across Scotland and the UK. Runners were able to choose from four nominated charities for Baxters Loch Ness Marathon – Highland Hospice, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Scottish Community Foundation – or select from over 35 other associated national and Scottish charities.

 Record entry for the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running

Entries for Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running have reached record levels for this year's event taking place on 4 October 2009. Entry numbers for the Marathon in this Homecoming year are up by a massive 53% and overall the Festival is on target to attract over 7500 runners this year.

Former Blue Peter and Top of the Pops presenter Konnie Huq will be welcoming runners from all events across the line in Queen's Park Stadium on Sunday 4 October. Konnie, now presenter of Sky 1's Guinness World Records Smashed, may even be seen taking up the challenge of the Baxters River Ness 10K herself and joining runners on the course on Sunday.

This year's Marathon runners to look out for include Simon Tonui, (PB 2-16) (Kenyan / Birchfield Harriers), as well as David Kirkland (Alnwick) who was second at last year's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and has won the Reykjavik marathon for the past 2 years. Niku Millott (Metro Aberdeen) is this year's Lochaber Marathon winner, and was fifth in Baxters Loch Ness Marathon in 2008.

In the women's field of entries Joice Kirui (PB 2-42) (Kenya / Birchfield) is likely to be one of the first females over the finishing line, as is Rebecca Johnson (Bellahouston Road Runners). Rebecca was winner of Isle of Man marathon this year. Others to look out for include Erica Christie (Bellahouston Harriers) who has been placed second on two occasions at Loch Ness (2002 and 2004), and Katie Mackenzie of Barnsley.

In the Baxters River Ness 10K, Lukas Wambua (PB of 30-01)of Kenya is one to watch out for, as is Kristian Forster (PB 31-00) (Morpeth). Kristian is son of Kevin Forster, the GB Olympic marathon runner in 1988. The women's 10K includes entries from Genet Measso (PB 33-24) of Ethiopia, and local runner Melissa Whyte (Inverness) (PB 35-53) who is ranked second in the UK for the over-45 age group: both are likely to be early finishers.

To celebrate the Year of Homecoming, all participants have been invited to sign up for the Run Home Clan Challenge, with this prestigious honour being claimed by the clan fielding the strongest show of runners on the day of the event. And a special event on Saturday morning, the Run Home Highland Breakfast Run, offers everyone a sociable way to warm up for race day, with music inspired by the Highlands and a hearty breakfast to help prepare for Sunday's challenge.

Event and race director, Malcolm Sutherland, said: "We are absolutely delighted to see the rise in entries for the Marathon in this Year of Homecoming. This was the first time in the eight year history of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon that entrants were able to secure guaranteed places on a first come, first served basis and it is tremendous that this change has appealed to so many runners."

Bill King of Baxters said: "Baxters has been proud to support the Loch Ness Marathon since it first took place in 2002 and it has been particularly rewarding for us to see the event grow to be the third largest Marathon in the UK over the past few years. And we're delighted that this year's event in our Homecoming year will be the largest one to date. All runners participating in Sunday's event will have the opportunity to enjoy some of the Baxters Healthy soup range – as well as tasting great, our Healthy soup range is nutritionally balanced and can help towards providing a balanced diet as part of a running plan. This year's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running promises to be a fantastic day out for runners and spectators alike – good luck to everyone taking part!"

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland Project Director, said: "We are delighted the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is supporting the national Homecoming celebrations with an enhanced programme of Run Home activity, including the inaugural Clan Challenge. It's great to see event entries have risen significantly in the Homecoming year, including record entries from outwith Scotland. The event looks set to deliver a fantastic weekend for all in the Highlands"

Convener of The Highland Council, Sandy Park, said: "The attraction of Loch Ness as an international destination is being borne out by the record number of entries this year to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running. I welcome all the athletes and their support teams of families and friends to the Highlands. I trust that they will have an excellent race experience and stay awhile to take part in our Year of Homecoming events and activities."

The finish line for all events on Sunday is the Queens Park Stadium, Inverness. Spectators waiting to cheer their friends and family across the line will enjoy a fantastic programme of entertainment including children's activities, retail stalls and lots of excellent music. Experienced ceilidh trailers Alasdair Taylor and Cameron Kellow will share the stage with Òr Ceilidh Band to keep everyone's toes tapping on Sunday. And sending the runners off with a skirl in their step will be The Easter Ross Schools Pipe Band and the Lochaber High School Pipe Band.

For more details about all events in Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running, visit www.lochnessmarathon.com or call 0870 127 8000

World Class Chef to Entertain at 2009 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards
 
World class award winning chef Albert Roux, OBE, will address members of the food and drink industry from across the Highlands and Islands at the Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards Dinner taking place at Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, on 23 October 2009.

Albert Roux, a legendary chef who numbers Gordon Ramsay among his protégées, opened his restaurant Chez Roux at Rocpool Reserve in Inverness in April this year. A long and distinguished career includes running Britain’s first Michelin starred restaurant, and being the first to gain three stars in the worldwide restaurant awards.

As well as continuing to develop his restaurant portfolio, Albert Roux is a respected food consultant, academic and publisher. Through the Academy of Culinary Arts, Britain’s leading professional association of Head Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Restaurant Managers and suppliers, Mr Roux has also chosen to adopt Charleston Academy, Inverness, as part of the Academy’s ‘Chefs Adopt A School Scheme’. 

Albert Roux commented:  “I have a life-long passion for food, cooking and the hospitality industry.  It has been my life for the last 60 wonderful years and I take great pride in inspiring and supporting others who have a similar passion.  Therefore it is a pleasure to be invited to speak at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards this October.  We all know Scotland, and particularly the Highlands and Islands have a natural abundance of superb quality local produce. 

He added:  “I am looking forward to meeting and speaking to my Scottish colleagues in the industry, many of whom have been extremely welcoming and enthusiastic since the opening of Chez Roux at Rocpool Reserve.”
 
Hazel Gordon, chairman of the Highland & Islands Food & Drink Forum, said: “The opening of Chez Roux in Inverness has been a significant event for the Highlands and Islands food and drink industry, and we are delighted that Albert Roux has accepted the invitation to speak at the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards Dinner. Like Mr Roux, the Forum is committed to raising standards within the industry and I know all our members will be looking forward with anticipation to hearing his contribution at the Awards Dinner in October.”

Gary Williamson, managing director of Williamson Foodservice and title sponsor of the event, said: “Albert Roux is established as a well-respected elder statesman of the food and drink industry in the UK and I am delighted that he has chosen to extend his business by opening Chez Roux here in the Highlands. It is great that Mr Roux has accepted the invitation to be involved with the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards in this first year of his Inverness-based business – as well as appealing to those working within the industry, I’m sure he’ll attract a wider audience of people with a particular interest in food and drink to the event.”

Entries are open for the 2009 Williamson Foodservice Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Awards until 20 July. The Awards, organised by the Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Forum and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scotland Food & Drink, celebrate the best of food and drink produced and served in the area. They are open to individuals, businesses and organisations throughout the Highlands and Islands. They aim to promote high standards by rewarding success in a wide range of categories including those for new products, partnership working, developing skills, encouraging healthy products and for the best eating place.
 

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon sees massive increase in entries

Organisers of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon announced today that entry figures are a massive 47% up on this time last year, following the lifting of the ballot entry system for the race.

Runners thinking of entering this year's Baxters Loch Ness Marathon have just four more weeks to ensure their entry is in by the deadline of 1 May for the 2009 event. After this date only charity places and places for club and overseas runners will be available in this scenic running event – the third largest marathon in the UK. This year's event takes place on 4 October 2009.

This year was the first time in the eight year history of the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon that there was no ballot for marathon places. Instead, guaranteed marathon places are now available on a first come first served basis. Over 6000 runners entered in last year's Festival and the indications are that even more will head to the Highlands for the 2009 event.

Event and race director, Malcolm Sutherland, said: "This is the first year that guaranteed entry for marathon runners has been offered in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and we believe this is what has brought about the increased rate of entries for the event. We're delighted to see the huge interest in the event, and it seems to have encouraged more entries from those travelling from further afield than we would normally expect."

"I'd encourage anyone thinking about participating in this year's event to get their entry in as soon as possible to guarantee their place prior to the 1 May deadline."

Malcolm added: "Entries are open for all other events in the Festival until 14 September – the Baxters River Ness 10K, the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run and the Healthy Working Lives 10K Corporate Challenge – but, as all races are proving popular this year, I'd encourage anyone thinking of entering any category to get their entry in as soon as possible to be sure of a place."

Torquil MacLeod, Homecoming Scotland 2009 Programme and Funding Manager, said: "In the year of Homecoming it's great to see such a high degree of interest so early on and an increase in entries from outwith Scotland. This year the event is benefiting from the marketing and PR activity for Homecoming both in the UK and around the world, 2009 is a big year for Scotland and we look forward to welcoming the thousands of runners from Scotland and around the world to the Highlands for this great event."

Two special events have been added to this year's Festival to encourage people to 'Run Home to Scotland' in this unique Homecoming year: the Run Home Highland Breakfast Run and the Run Home Clan Challenge:

· The Run Home Clan Challenge is open to anyone with a claim to a Scottish clan. Represent your Clan (and wear some tartan) in the most fun a Battle of the Clans has been in centuries! All runners in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Baxters River Ness 10K will have the option to register allegiance to their clan when entering. The results of the 2009 Clan Challenge will be based on numbers of runners from each clan who successfully complete either event.

· The Run Home Highland Breakfast Run takes place on 3 October and is open to all runners, supporters, spectators, local residents – in fact anyone wanting to be part of the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running! Starting and finishing at Queens Park Stadium (the race village in Inverness) and following a scenic 5k route along the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal, the run is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and limber up for the big day on Sunday. The Breakfast Run is open to all ages and includes a hearty Highland breakfast buffet while being entertained by some great Highland tunes!

Entries for all other events – the Baxters River Ness 10K, the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run and the Healthy Working Lives 10K Corporate Challenge – in the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running are open until 14 September.

For more details on all races or to enter, visit www.lochnessmarathon.com or call 0870 127 8000

 

 

 

Run Home to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running - with guaranteed marathon entry in 2009!

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running organisers have announced an exciting new development for this year's event taking place on 4 October 2009: for the first time in the eight year history of the event, entry to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon will be guaranteed on a first come first served basis, with no ballot.

To celebrate Scotland's Year of Homecoming, it has also been announced that two special events will be added to this year's Festival, inviting runners from around the UK and the globe to 'Run Home to Scotland' in 2009. The special events feature the Run Home Breakfast Run and the Run Home Clan Challenge:

· The Clan Challenge is open to anyone with a claim to a Scottish clan. Represent your Clan (and wear some tartan) in the most fun a Battle of the Clans has been in centuries! All runners in the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and Baxters River Ness 10K will have the option to register allegiance to their clan when entering. The results of the 2009 Clan Challenge will be based on numbers of runners from each clan who successfully complete either event.

· The Highland Breakfast Run takes place on 3 October and is open to all runners, supporters, spectators, local residents – in fact anyone wanting to be part of the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running! Starting and finishing at Queens Park Stadium (the race village in Inverness) and following a scenic 5k route along the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal, the run is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs and limber up for the big day on Sunday. The Breakfast Run is open to all ages and includes a hearty Highland breakfast buffet while being entertained by some great Highland tunes!

Whether you are a marathon, 10K, 5K runner or just someone wanting to take part in the north of Scotland's largest participatory sporting event, make a date to Run Home in 2009 and add to the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running's Homecoming celebrations.

The 2008 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running was the most successful ever, with over 6000 entries across all events and economic benefit to the local area of over £1,870,350.

Event & race director, Malcolm Sutherland, said: "We are pleased to be able to offer guaranteed entry to marathon runners for the first time this year – this means that runners will know as soon as they enter whether their application has been accepted. This is proving a popular move with marathon runners – entries are already up 48% on this time last year! Entries are being accepted now for all other events in the Festival of Running too – the Baxters River Ness 10K, the Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run and the 10K Corporate Challenge – and I'd encourage anyone thinking of entering any category to get their entry in as soon as possible to be sure of a place.

Malcolm continued: "We look forward to welcoming everyone to Loch Ness and the Highlands in 2009 for Scotland's Year of Homecoming. The Clan Challenge will bring some friendly rivalry to the Festival of Running, and the Breakfast Run in particular will be a great way to get to know some of your fellow runners before the main races the next day. The Baxters Loch Ness Marathon & Festival of Running is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and excellent organisation – make this your year to come along and take part!"

Entry for the 2009 Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is guaranteed on a first come first served basis until 1 May 2009 or until race limit is reached. After this date charity places and places for club and overseas runners will still be available. Entry for the popular Baxters River Ness 10K, the 10K Corporate Challenge, Baxters River Ness 5K Fun Run, Highland Breakfast Run and Clan Challenge is also open now. For more details on all races, or to enter, visit www.lochnessmarathon.com or call 0870 127 8000.