Celebrity Chef James Martin to Headline Taste of Grampian 2017

Celebrity chef James Martin has been announced today (16 February) as the headline act for Taste of Grampian 2017.

Chef Martin joins a star-studded line-up of culinary talent at the event which will again be sponsored by Specially Selected Pork. 

These include Lady Claire Macdonald, of Kinloch Hotel and Restaurant; Kenny McMillan of Pittodrie House Hotel and Brian McLeish, BBC MasterChef finalist and Chef Proprietor of Moonfish Restaurant in Aberdeen, who will bring sparkle to the award-winning North-East food festival which is taking place at Thainstone Centre on Saturday 3 June.

Yorkshire-born James Martin previously attended Taste of Grampian back in 2001. The event now attracts more than 14,000 visitors annually and is now celebrating its 18th year.

A great day out for the family, this year’s fun-packed programme of events will include indoor and outdoor cookery demonstrations, a BBQ area, plus advice from celebrity chefs and local talent. An exciting new addition to this year’s event will be an evening music festival which  will take place immediately after the event at the Thainstone Centre and run until 11pm.

Speaking at an Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce ‘Shire Connections’ event today at Pittodrie House Hotel, Taste of Grampian Chairman, John Gregor said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be welcoming James Martin back to Thainstone for what’s set to be a great event.

“We are also very excited to be working with Quality Meat Scotland again highlighting the quality, versatility and fantastic taste which underpin the Specially Selected Pork brand,' said Mr Gregor.

“The value of pig farming to the north-east economy cannot be underestimated, in fact, pig production is worth around £40 - £50 million annually.”

Quality Meat Scotland’s Chairman, Jim McLaren said that Taste of Grampian is an incredible platform to showcase a brand to consumers which is underpinned by quality assurance schemes which make animal welfare a priority.

“The Scottish SPCA works closely with Quality Meat Scotland and quality assured Scottish pig farms are visited routinely by Scottish SPCA inspectors as part of a unique partnership between the two organisations,” he said.

“Specially Selected Pork’s high profile involvement in this year’s Taste of Grampian ensures that visitors who attend the event leave with a better understanding of what sets the Scottish pig industry’s brand apart.”