Chef Mafiz Ali offers varied and delicious menu at Ayr Spice Restaurant in Minishant

Head chef Mafiz Ali at Ayr Spice Minishant Restaurant invites you to cast your eyes over his delicious and varied menu at http://www.ayrspice.info/menu.html Choose something different for a change, or just settle for an old favourite! To book a table this weekend, telephone 01292 441413.

 

 

 

Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant

 

Ayr Spice Indian Cuisine can be found in the fine old red sandstone Memorial church at the entrance to the picturesque village of Minishant, 5 miles south of Ayr on the A77. The church was erected by the thread magnate Sir Peter Coats of nearby Auchendrane, in loving memory of his wife Glorianna, who died in 1877.

 

Indian food can be simple or elaborate, humble or opulent, within a culinary tradition that is centuries old. The unique gift of Indian cuisine is its inspired use of exotic spices and the finest fresh ingredients. Proprietor Mafiz Ali and his team at Ayr Spice are determined to bring you the best of that tradition, and look forward to welcoming you.

 

Ayr Spice Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 12 noon until 10pm including Bank Holidays, Christmas and New Year. Takeaway and home delivery are also available.

 

Mafiz Ali
Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant
The Old Minishant Memorial Church
22 Ayr Road
Minishant
Ayrshire
KA19 8EX

 

Tel: 01292 441 413
Web: http://www.ayrspice.info
 

Ayr Spice Indian Restaurant is a member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Education Minister opens £8.3m Dreghorn Primary School

Dreghorn Primary School pupils welcomed some special guests this week as their exciting new £8.3m school was officially opened by Education Minister Michael Russell MSP.

Watch our film clip of the opening of  Dreghorn Primary School

The state-of-the-art building gives its learners the perfect environment for modern teaching – a huge step from their 100-year-old school.

Pupils have been at the very heart of the move to their new school playing an important role in the design of the building.

The new school features many elements which have been introduced specifically to improve important aspects of learning, including:

* High quality wi-fi access providing the ideal base for Curriculum for Excellence

* Hi-tech performance space

* Innovative outdoor learning, including a woodland walk, gardens and play areas

* Support and facilities for children with additional support needs

* Changing pavilion for outdoor sports

* Multi purpose gym and four outdoor activity areas

This flexible design - which boasts 13 classrooms and a dedicated early years class - ensures that pupils benefit from the diversity of quality education delivered.

A key element of the design was 'inclusion'. This has been translated throughout the building both in terms of the autism friendly colour scheme and therapy rooms meeting the needs of young people experiencing communication disorders.

Pupils at primary school are often those who are most aware of environmental issues and the importance of sustainability in all walks of life.

The new school has many features which specifically address environmental issues. Designed with the environment in mind, the new school utilises sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting, carbon dioxide monitoring and air-source heat pumps which minimise the carbon footprint and keep the air in the building fresh and, most importantly, healthy.

Mr Russell said: “I am pleased to be in North Ayrshire for the official opening of the new Dreghorn Primary School.

“This state of the art school will provide a better learning environment for young people, appropriate for delivery of Curriculum for Excellence and is a real credit to the local community.

“Providing the best possible school accommodation is vital to delivering the best possible education and the Scottish Government is committed to moving even more school pupils into quality accommodation by investing in the £1.25bn million Schools for the Future programme.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Education Attainment and Achievement, added: “The new Dreghorn Primary School is an ambitious project that provides facilities to deliver a modern curriculum fit for the 21st century, in line with the Curriculum for Excellence."

“This is a major investment for the village as a whole and has been well supported by the community. Their pride was evident when hundreds lined the streets as the pupils paraded from their old school to the new school last year.

“The pupils, parents and staff are rightly proud of their new school and recognise the positive impact it has already made.

“As well as excellent PE facilities and outdoor learning areas, the school also provides valuable support for children with additional support needs, recognising the need for specialist assistance while understanding that many families want their children to remain in mainstream schools.

“Our ambition is for a supportive, inclusive, and diverse school which, above all, allows our children to be safe, healthy, happy, active and fully prepared for life.”

Charlie Dunn, Regional Managing Director Scotland, at Miller Construction, added: “We are delighted to have delivered this high quality learning environment that will benefit pupils and teachers in Dreghorn for many years to come.

“Throughout the design and construction phases we worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders and we were pleased to have received a national Considerate Constructors Scheme award for our consideration towards the local community, workforce and the environment throughout this project.”

Galston launches new regeneration project

Exciting new plans to regenerate Galston town centre were unveiled this week at the public launch of the area’s new Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

[Pictured at the launch ceremony, left to right: David Richmond, Galston Community Development Trust; Karen Walker, Private Sector Liaison Officer, EAC; Colin McKee, Heritage Projects Co-ordinator, EAC; Provost Jim Todd; Councillor Alan Brown; Councillor Tom Cook; Karl Doroszenko, Development Planning & Regeneration Manager, EAC.]

Galston is home to many fine buildings of historic and architectural value, however time, weathering and the prohibitive costs of repairs have led to some falling into disrepair. The CARS project offers grant assistance, support and advice to building owners enabling them to carry out sympathetic repairs, fitting them for use in the 21st century.

The project is jointly funded by East Ayrshire Council and Historic Scotland. All work will require to be carried out by experienced contractors using traditional methods which are suitable for older buildings. By helping owners to make their buildings wind and water tight, repairing roofs, guttering and windows, business and residential properties can be given a new lease of life.

Provost Jim Todd opened the launch event at Galston Community Centre which included a presentation by the Galston Community Development Trust, a charity set up in 2012 to oversee the future development of the town. East Ayrshire Council’s CARS team was on hand to discuss the proposals and answer queries from interested parties. 

Karen Walker, the Council’s Private Sector Liaison Officer, also gave a presentation on the work of the Private Sector Liaison Unit, including the availability of advice and loans available to undertake repairs to bring empty accommodation up to an appropriate standard for renting. Councillor Alan Brown gave the thanks at the end of the event.

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Delivering Community Regeneration, said: “We’ve already had considerable success with the Kilmarnock and Cumnock CARS projects, helping businesses and residential owners to conserve their premises and creating and sustaining jobs in the building industry. 

“We’re obviously very pleased to be able to do something similar in Galston as this project will be a key element in revitalising the town centre and an important opportunity to secure investment for the town. We will continue to work closely with the Community Development Trust and with people and businesses in Galston and hope that owners will contact us about renovating their properties to help us make this project a real success for the town and its residents.” 

Record employment rise for Scotland

Scotland has seen the largest quarterly increase in employment on record according to the figures published by the Office for National Statistics today.
 

WATCH THE VIDEO

The statistics show that headline employment rose by 54,000 in the three month period January to March 2013. This is the largest quarterly rise in employment in Scotland since the start of the series in 1992.

 
Scotland’s headline employment rate, which refers to the population aged 16 to 64, rose by 1.1 percentage points to 71.8 per cent. This is the largest increase in employment rate of any nation or region in the United Kingdom in this release and Scotland’s employment rate is again higher than the rate for the UK as a whole of 71.4 per cent.
 
Over the three months January to March 2013 total unemployment fell by 7,000. The rate fell by 0.4 percentage points to 7.3 per cent, with the figures now showing falling unemployment for the sixth monthly release in a row. The Scottish unemployment rate is lower than the UK rate, which rose by 0.1 percentage points to 7.8 per cent.  The employment rate in Scotland is now higher and the unemployment rate lower than in any other nation of the UK.
 
The Scottish youth labour market continued its strong performance of recent months with the youth unemployment rate down 6.4 percentage points over the year to January to March 2013.  The Scottish youth unemployment rate of 16.6 per cent is lower than the UK rate of 20.3 per cent and the Scottish youth employment rate increased by 4.3 percentage points to 56.3 per cent, higher than the UK rate of 49.4 per cent.
 
Welcoming the news First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Today’s figures show the largest rise in employment on record with an increase of 54,000 people in employment. Scotland also showed the largest quarterly rise in employment rate of all 12 UK countries and regions.
 
“Scotland is out-performing the UK with a higher employment rate and lower unemployment rate.  And our youth employment rate is continuing to make encouraging progress with more young people in work and youth unemployment falling again.
 

“The Scottish Government, our agencies and employers across Scotland have set a clear course for recovery. We are working hard to get people back into work and to create opportunities for our young people.
 

“The Westminster government’s continued pursuit of austerity over economic recovery is the biggest risk to Scotland’s economic recovery.  Without the tools of independence to do the job properly Scotland risks being caught up in the UK’s slipstream.  The Chancellor has the chance at the spending review in June to change his plans, accept his mistakes and learn the lesson that the key to economic growth is investment not austerity.
 

“One factor in our strong performance has been our success in attracting foreign investment to Scotland.  Scotland has been recognised by the Ernst & Young Attractiveness Survey as the top destination in the UK for Foreign Direct Investment in terms of job creation for the last two years - having previously been named leading ‘European Region of the Future’ in the 2008/09 Financial Times annual FDI awards. It is vital that we don’t see a situation where jobs are jeopardised by the UK Government’s obsession with Europe.
 

“We are committed to maintaining and building sustainable economic growth in Scotland and delivering the most competitive business environment anywhere in the UK.  With the full fiscal and economic powers of independence the Scottish Government could do yet more to strengthen our economy and create jobs."
 

Youth Employment Minister Angela Constance said: “Today’s figures show yet again that Scotland has lower unemployment and higher employment rates amongst our young people compared to the UK.
 

“These figures are clear evidence that the action we are taking to support young people into employment, including the Modern Apprenticeship programme, is making a difference.
 

“Next week marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2013, an opportunity to raise awareness of the opportunities of an MA for both employers and young people.  Ministers across the Scottish Government will be taking part in a number of events aimed at demonstrating the value that an MA can add to a business.”
 

CKD Galbraith offer charming Ayrshire country cottage set in beautiful gardens in a convenient location

Leading independent Scottish property consultancy CKD Galbraith is offering for sale Darwhilling Cottage, a lovely country cottage located in a sought after location 2 miles from the popular village of Fenwick, East Ayrshire, for which offers over £350,000 are being sought.
 

Quitely situated with beautiful rural views, Darwhilling Cottage is a beautifully presented detached cottage offering generous accommodation of some 2407 sq ft set in a plot of some 0.73 acres adjoining open countryside.
 

The living accommodation comprises a lovely lounge / dining room with a welcoming open fire and wooden beams.
 

The dining kitchen has a range of fitted units with access to the garden. There are 4 bedrooms on the ground floor, including a lovely master bedroom suite overlooking the sunny back garden with shower room and a bespoke fitted wardrobe. The cosy sitting room with woodburning stove has patio doors to the garden and the sun room is a fabulous addition to the house from which to enjoy the beautiful gardens. There is a family bathroom and curved stairs lead to the family room on the first floor and a large floored attic area with excellent potential for conversion and extension.
 

There is an integral garage and there are beautiful sheltered garden grounds and a small area of woodland. There is a mix of colourful flowering shrub borders and a large patio area for entertaining and relaxing.

The garage could easily be incorporated into the house to provide further living accommodation if required, and subject to obtaining the appropriate consents.

In 1761, the Fenwick Weaver's Society was formed, this was the world's first co-operative society.  It began when a small group of self-employed weavers met in secret in the village to sign a pledge of loyalty to one another and “to make good & sufficient work and exact neither higher nor lower prices than are accustomed.”
 

PDF available on www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
 

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr office:
 

CKD Galbraith
7 Killoch Place
Ayr KA7 2EA
Ayrshire, Scotland
 

Contact: R A Cherry BSc MRICS
Tel: 01292 268181
Fax: 01292 292300
E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Web: http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
 

Independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie welcomes round-the-world yachtsman back to Troon

Gerry Hughes, a Scottish teacher who was born profoundly deaf, has become the first deaf person ever to sail single-handed around the world past all five capes.

 

 

South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie was in Troon to see Gerry Hughes off at the start of his epic journey, and was there to welcome him home.

 

Provost Moonie said: “Gerry Hughes is a truly inspirational person. He has achieved a personal ambition to successfully sail around the world and at the same time clearly demonstrated to other people what can be achieved with sheer hard work, determination and skill.

 

“Sailing is very popular in South Ayrshire and I am pleased that Gerry chose to sail in to Troon Marina to mark his return home.”

 

Gerry Hughes, 55, from Glasgow set sail last September leaving behind his wife and two daughters as he embarked on the ultimate sailing challenge which only around 300 people have completed in history (compared to over 1500 that have made it to the top of Mount Everest).

 

Now, Gerry is part of an exclusive list of solo-circumnavigators joining the likes of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and Sir Francis Chichester, achieving a life-long ambition and raising awareness of the deaf community to the wider world.

 



CKD Galbraith offer attractive detached bungalow in a highly accessible location overlooking delightful garden grounds

Designed by the current owners, Wood Lodge is a well maintained attractive bungalow in extensive garden grounds of about 0.67 acres, for which offers over £270,000 are being sought. It is situated on the outskirts of Kilwinning in North Ayrshire with easy access to Glasgow.

The house is very well presented, with mahogany hardwood skirtings, architraves and windows throughout.
 

There is an integrated double garage with a workshop.

The accommodation comprises front facing lounge with cornicing, fireplace with tiled hearth and marble mantel and steps to the conservatory which enjoys views over the garden.
 

The sunny dining room has an open fire, brick fireplace with slate tiles and beamed ceiling with patio door to the garden.
 

The master bedroom has a large en suite bathroom and the other bedrooms have built in wardrobes.

The front garden is mainly laid to lawn with hedging and small shrub borders, while the very sheltered side/back gardens have spruce trees and an assortment of seasonal flowers. A wooden bridge leads from the garden to a small woodland area.
 

The surrounding countryside is ideal for outdoor pursuits. Nearby Eglinton Country Park offers riding on an extensive network of bridleways, as well as permit fishing  for Eglinton Loch and the River Lugton.

 

Offers over £270,000 are being sought.

PDF available on http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
 

CKD Galbraith’s Ayr office:
 

CKD Galbraith

7 Killoch Place
Ayr KA7 2EA
Ayrshire, Scotland
 

Contact: R A Cherry BSc MRICS
Tel: 01292 268181
Fax: 01292 292300
E-mail: bob.cherry@ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Web: http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
 

Independent property consultancy CKD Galbraith’s Ayr Office is a founder member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

Santander and University of the West of Scotland join Elite Ayrshire Business Circle

Latest new members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle include Santander and University of the West of Scotland. More to follow.

Applications for membership are now being accepted. E-mail: murdoch@eliteayrshire.com

South Ayrshire Council appoints Eileen Howat as new chief executive

South Ayrshire Council has appointed Eileen Howat to be the next Chief Executive.  Following an open, competitive recruitment process, the Appointments Panel made the appointment today (Friday 3 May).

 

 

Eileen (pictured above) has been an Executive Director with South Ayrshire since 2008.  She currently leads the Resources, Governance and Organisation Directorate.  She has previously been South Ayrshire’s Assistant Chief Executive and Head of Finance and ICT.  She has been with the Council since it was formed in 1996 and prior to that held various finance posts with Strathclyde Regional Council.

 

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Appointments Panel said: “I am delighted that we were able to make such a strong appointment for South Ayrshire.  Eileen brings a wealth of experience and skills which will be invaluable in guiding the Council through the challenges which lie ahead.  I look forward to working with Eileen on continuing our work to deliver the best possible outcomes for the people, communities and businesses of South Ayrshire.’

 

Eileen said:  “I am delighted to have been appointed as South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive.  I am very much looking forward to working with elected members, staff, partners, communities and the public in delivering high quality services throughout the area.

 

“This is a challenging time for all local authorities but I believe if we work together effectively, we will deliver the best outcomes for local residents, communities and businesses. I am very much looking forward to playing my part in that agenda as Chief Executive.”

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk 

 

South Ayrshire Council is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

 

Web and design agency Paligap launch seventh responsive website

Ayrshire’s premier web and design agency, Paligap, has recently celebrated the launch of its seventh responsive website. The website for Braemar Finance, a member of the financial group, Close Brothers, went live last month following those for the Hillhouse Group, Ingram Motoring Group, Wacky Hounds, and the Bridgend Group.

 

 

{Pictured: Lorna Gibson, director of Paligap.]

 

Statistics show that mobile internet traffic is between 35% and 50% on many websites with this percentage growing day on day.  Evidence of this is shown with a sale from mobile every 2 seconds on Ebay, 38% of UK tablet owners spend more of their time on their device than watching TV and 86% of adults own a mobile phone and use it to access the internet.

 

Responsive websites adapt in structure and design to suit the screen size of the device they are being viewed on, allowing users to enjoy a seamless user experience no matter where or on what they are using the internet. Navigation changes to be finger-friendly and the design of the site responds to remove the need for scrolling and zooming on mobile devices.

 

“2013 is said to be the year of Responsive Web Design, and Paligap is definitely at the forefront of this technology, having spent the last year investing in our resource and skills we are delivering fantastic results for our clients and been creating some pretty impressive responsive sites,” said Paligap director Lorna Gibson.

 

New commissions for Paligap include responsive websites for Royal Troon Golf Club, Coast Entertainments, Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles and Dumfries House Education. Paligap is also of course renowned not only for their web design skills but also for their branding expertise and the recent creation of “Wacky” the face of Wacky Hounds is an excellent example of the creative skills of the Paligap team. If you haven’t met him take a look at www.wackyhounds.co.uk.

 

“Paligap are a digital agency at the top of their game. I have no hesitation in recommending their services to anyone who is looking for a state of the art service,” said Wacky Hounds managing director Richard Gibb.

 

If you would like further information on Paligap, responsive web design, branding or graphic design visit www.paligap.com or contact Lorna Gibson, lorna@paligap.com

LINKS:

PR-Inside  Pressbox  The Open Press

 

Paligap is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

 



Kestrel Press named official printing partner to Bowls Scotland

Irvine-based Kestrel Press, leading Scottish provider of printing, packaging and graphic design solutions, has become official print partner to Bowls Scotland.

 

 

[Pictured: Kestrel Press sales director Graeme Ferguson and managing director Colin McCallum.]

 

Kestrel Press has worked with Scotland’s governing body for the outdoor game of bowls for the past 18 months, its projects including the current Yearbook, National Championships programme and strategy document.

 

Now, having a formal agreement in place means not only that the company’s remit with the governing body will expand but also that the Bowls Scotland 880 member clubs will benefit by receiving preferential rates.

 

“Having worked with Kestrel Press over the last 18 months we are impressed with their range of printing services, the flexibility and quality of delivery,” said Alan McMillan, CEO of Bowls Scotland, one of Scotland’s newest sports governing bodies which came into being in 2010 following the unification of The Scottish Women’s Bowls Association and the Scottish Bowling Association.

 

“By striking a formal partnership for the next year we will benefit from a more cost and time effective service and our member clubs can also enjoy the same excellent services at preferential rates. We look forward to working with Kestrel Press over the coming months.”

 

Founded in 1973 Kestrel Press provides a comprehensive service from design to distribution of all types of Printing and Print Management.  Its service reaches almost every sector: textiles, pharmaceuticals, financial services, electronics, engineering, construction, transport and the public services.

 

“We particularly like the way Bowls Scotland has formed from the amalgamation of two traditional governing bodies and is taking on the challenge of modernising the game of bowls and making it more appealing to a bigger market,” said Graeme Ferguson, Sales Director at Kestrel Press.

 

“It fits very well with what we are working towards here in growing our business, and we are pleased that having given bowls a great service over the past 18 months that they have shown their confidence in us by creating a formal partnership.”

 

Kestrel Press (Irvine) Ltd,
25 Whittle Place,
South Newmoor Ind Est
Irvine, KA11 4HR

 

Tel: 01294 222 222
E-mail: action@kestrelpress.com
Web: http://www.kestrelpress.com

LINKS:

PR-Inside  Pressbox  The Open Press

 

Kestrel Press is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

 



Scottish food and drink industry to target emerging markets for export success

Scottish food and drink exports in 2012 reached £5.31 billion – the second highest on record – according to new figures released by Scottish Development International (SDI).

 

 

[Pictured: The Scottish Deli is enjoying export success, after recently tripling supplies of lobster to Japan following participation in an SDI trade mission.]

 

The figures also show that the top three destinations for Scottish food and drink exports changed during the last year, with the US overtaking France as Scotland’s top export market during 2012. The official 2012 overseas food and drink export figures show that exports to the US grew by 12.5% to £817m during 2012, surpassing exports to France which valued £675m.

 

The export data also shows Singapore rising up the rankings to occupy the number three spot with exports of £340.5m – the first time an Asian country has occupied a top three spot. This rise is largely due to burgeoning whisky exports to the country, which at £339m, account for the vast majority of total food and drink exports to Singapore.

 

The total value of Scottish food and drink exports during 2012 was £5.31bn, which represents a 1.4% drop on the 2011 figures, but an increase of 18% on 2010 exports. Food only exports during 2012 were £1.04bn, while the drinks (Scotch whisky) category was worth £4.27bn.

 

The slight decrease in exports last year is due in part to a drop off in demand from some European countries, as the Eurozone crisis affected consumer spending, particularly across the Southern European countries of Spain, Portugal, Greece and Italy.

 

However, exports to other parts of Europe increased over the same period, with growth in Germany (up 16%) and parts of Eastern Europe; notably Estonia (up 28%), Latvia (up 49%) and Ukraine (up a massive 273%, albeit from a relatively low base).

 

Elsewhere, one of the most positive developments was a growth in exports to emerging markets across Sub-Saharan Africa (up 9.9% to £246m), Latin America & the Caribbean (up 3.5% to £511m) and Asia & Oceania (up 2.2% to £1,090m).

 

These results reflect the need for the industry to broaden food exports into new markets, following the success of the whisky model, and Scottish Development International is already working with industry leadership group Scotland Food and Drink and the Scottish Government to develop a new export strategy to target new and emerging markets.

 

Commenting on the figures, Anne MacColl, chief executive of Scottish Development International, said: “We’ve enjoyed tremendous growth in food and drink exports from Scotland in recent years; working in collaboration with our partners. The intelligence coming from our overseas field teams tells us that the international appetite for Scottish produce remains very strong and we are continuing to see demand from international suppliers. Just last month we hosted a delegation of Spanish seafood buyers all looking to increase their stock of Scottish produce.

 

“Nonetheless, we can’t ignore some of the ongoing global economic issues which have impacted on exports this year, and we are continuing to support companies to identify where the big market opportunities will be in future years.

 

“To this end, we are in the process of expanding our presence in regions such as Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This will allow us to be even more proactive in responding to new international opportunities; particularly in emerging markets where having local staff with in–market expertise is vital to secure new business for Scotland.”

 

James Withers, chief executive of Scotland Food & Drink said: "Last year we celebrated food and drink exports passing the £5bn mark, achieving the industry's growth target six years early. This year, we hope that our combined domestic and overseas sales will reach £12.5bn, the target we had set for 2017. This industry remains Scotland's best-performing sector.

 

"However, latest figures highlight a key area of focus for us. Whisky exports have held up in tough economic times, with growth in Asia and other emerging markets making up for the drop in trade with Europe. The food industry needs to follow that model. Over 70% of our food exports go to the European Union, so we are focused on developing new customers in high growth markets with dedicated resource and increased activity. These markets are looking for premium quality food, with a strong provenance story, so our potential for growth is huge."

 

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland produces a spectacular array of high quality premium products which continue to be in demand across the globe. Last year when I led a trade mission to Japan and China – which are two key growth markets – it was clear throughout the trip that the provenance of our food and drink, as well as its heritage and uniqueness, is hugely valued by retailers, chefs and consumers.

 

“The food and drink industry continues to make a huge contribution to our economy and we have set a new target which aims to grow the value of food and drink sent abroad to £7.1bn in just five years. When some markets closer to home are facing tough economic times, I'm confident the sector will rise to the challenge by targeting export growth in emerging markets such as the middle and far east, as well as the key US market.”

 

Some Scottish company successes from recent SDI trade missions include the Scottish Deli tripling its orders of lobster to Japan, and Gourmet’s Choice identifying an opportunity to supply Scottish salmon into Ghana.

 

SDI has also been working with premium international supermarket chains in emerging markets broker Scottish food and drink promotions. Two such promotions were held in the Ole supermarket chain in China and the upmarket Alosra chain in the Middle East with the aim of taking advantage of strong local appetite for Scottish produce. Both of these promotions have been hailed as a success by the supermarkets and SDI field teams are now in discussions re similar promotions with other supermarkets.

 

Scottish Development International (SDI) works to attract inward investment and knowledge to Scotland to help the economy grow. It also helps Scottish based companies to trade overseas and promotes Scotland as a good place to live, work and do business. It is a partnership between the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise and its work is guided by the Scottish Government’s strategy for economic development in Scotland.