Great British Game Week 4-10 November 2024

Around 300 secondary school pupils across Tayside are this week taking part in game cookery workshops designed to teach essential cooking skills with a focus on preparing, cooking, and enjoying locally-sourced game meat.

Hosted in partnership with Developing the Young Workforce (DYW), Perth High School, Perth Grammar School and Blairgowrie High School,  the workshops are an engaging way for young people to learn about using locally sourced, sustainable food, plus a variety of cooking techniques and healthy eating practices.

Pupils will learn about game management and be provided with practical, step-by-step guidance on preparing a range of dishes using game such as venison and pheasant. They will also learn how to design and package the finished product for marketing.

The events are being led by the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group in partnership with Dalmunzie Estate, Lantra Scotland, Countryside Learning Scotland, Glen Kilrie Larder and other local estates.

Some 300 pupils across Tayside and Grampian will take part during Great British Game Week, with sessions also covering the nutritional value of locally sourced game.

Deirdre Falconer, Co-Ordinator for the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group, said: “We are fortunate to be surrounded by excellent local suppliers of high-quality game. We believe that sustainable, nutritious food production is a crucial element in eating well and living well, while protecting the rural economy and reducing our food miles. We can all do our bit by choosing locally produced, seasonal food. The cookery workshops also provide young people with the skills and knowledge to make the most of this delicious and versatile food.”

Morgan McLeod, Employer Liaison Officer at DYW Tay Cities, said: “DYW Tay Cities are delighted to be partnering with the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group to celebrate Great British Game Week.

“To kick off Great British Game Week the Tayside and Central Scotland Moorland Group will be coming into two of our Perth Schools to teach the young people about pheasant preparation. The popular Hill to Grill initiative returns to Blairgowrie High School on 5th and 6th November which gives young people an insight into careers in the game sector through creating and designing their own venison burgers.

“These experiences are incredibly important for the young people in our region to experience and understand the variety of careers available to them that they might not have thought of before.”