In celebration of Great British Game Week, the Southern Uplands Moorland Group has organised an evening of cookery demonstrations, tastings and cooking tips at Westruther in the Scottish Borders.
Acclaimed chefs Rebecca Banks, who is a specialist in game cookery, and Billy Hamilton, the chef/patron of the award-winning Buccleuch Arms, will bring their passion for game and their expertise to a local audience.
Great British Game Week is an annual celebration of sustainably-sourced game such as grouse, pheasant, partridge and venison, organised by Eat Wild.
Billy Hamilton said: “We’ve always served game and it is incredibly popular with our customers. People love to try something different and whenever we have roe venison, pigeon, pheasant or red grouse on the menu it sells out immediately. We support local suppliers and game is very much a part of that ethos. We also have shooting parties staying here in season and if they bring in game that they have shot we will prepare and cook it in our kitchens – it’s the ultimate in traceable food!”
Mark Ewart, Southern Uplands Moorland Group Coordinator, said: “Great British Game Week is a superb showcase of a premium British meat that is high in protein, low in fat and sustainably produced. More and more people are keen to buy food that is locally produced and seasonal. Eating game is one way to support local producers and reduce your carbon footprint too.”
Scottish grouse has just 1g of fat per 100g on average and 29g of protein. It is available fresh in season from August to December.
Wild game has a lower carbon footprint than most mass-produced meats, and the game sector is essential to the management of many parts of the countryside, while also supporting the rural economy.
Mark Ewart continued: “Game is a superb British product and grouse in particular is highly prized by chefs for its exceptional flavour and versatility. Now that people are thinking about not just taste and nutrition but also the carbon footprint of their food, the appeal of a locally sourced meat is even greater. We hope people will enjoy cooking game in their own style and discover its great taste.”
The event takes place at Westruther Village Hall on Thursday 7th November at 6.30 for 7pm.
Tickets are £10 from sumgroupuk@outlook.com