Cut it and Cook it – with top local butchers and an award-winning chef

Visitors to the Peebles Food Festival this weekend will get the opportunity to learn more about the work involved in getting food to their plates. 

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) will join the Scottish Borders Food Network and a host of local food producers at the Eastgate Theatre in Peebles on Sunday, 23 October, the final day of the Peebles Food Festival 2011. 

QMS is holding a series of demonstrations that will show people why they should cherish the lamb that has been locally reared by Borders farmers, locally prepared by a local butcher and cooked by an “almost local” award-winning chef. 

QMS Marketing Manager, Margaret Stewart said: “Scotch Lamb is at its absolute best in the autumn as the lambs have enjoyed the summer and the lush Borders grass that makes the meat sweet, succulent and taste great. 

“Visitors to the Eastgate on Sunday will see Master Butchers Gordon Newlands and Callum Forsyth from the renowned Forsyth’s of Peebles; bone, cut and prepare the lamb for award-winning chef Tony Borthwick, from the Plumed Horse in Edinburgh.”     

There are demonstrations at 12 noon and 2.30pm which will be both fun and educational. Acclaimed chef Tony will challenge Gordon and Callum to come up with new cuts to complement his cooking and show just how versatile Scotch Lamb from the Borders really can be.  

Margaret continued: “This is the final day of the Peebles Food Festival, which celebrates the best of Borders foods. The demonstrations are supported by over 20 local producers forming part of a farmers market, showcasing the traditional skills of local farmers and illustrating why the waters and the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders are the source of some of the finest and most sought after fresh ingredients. 

“Why not come along, enjoy the demonstrations, learn from the experts and appreciate some great local products.” 

The Peebles Food Festival starts on Friday, 21 October and finishes on Sunday, 23 October. To find out more about the demonstrations and those taking part, visit the Festival website: www.peeblesfoodfestival.com