Weather Presenters Bring Sunshine to Highland Show

Two of Scotland’s top weather presenters, working for rival television channels, took part in a lively charity cook-off on the Quality Meat Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show this weekend.

BBC’s Judith Ralston took on STV’s Sean Batty in a brilliant 40 minutes of banter and cooking which even included an impromptu song from former opera singer, Judith.

The pair were challenged to come up with two delicious summer dishes, including Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, from a bag of mystery ingredients.

Presenter Bryan Burnett provided the commentary on the action as the pair got to grips with their cookery challenge and answering questions about their weather careers at the same time.

Judge Jak O’Donnell of Glasgow’s The Sisters Restaurants judged Judith’s Scotch Beef Mexican Surprise to be the winner, in a close fought battle with much good-natured rivalry and banter between the pair.

“It was great to welcome Judith and Sean onto the stand for this very special charity cook-off. They were brilliant sports, enjoying the challenge and answering lots of great questions, including from farmers who clearly have a very close interest in their specialist subject,” said Carol McLaren, Head of Communications with QMS.

As part of its PR activities behind Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb, QMS has been working on projects with charities which the two presenters have been supporting with fund-raising activities.

Judith Ralston has been working with QMS to promote “The Big Scotch Beef Sizzle”, an initiative devised by Scotland’s Hospices Together to drive a burst of BBQ activity in Scotland during June to raise funds for hospices around the country.

The cook-off also helped to raise awareness of the QMS 2017 show t-shirts which will be available in bright colours displaying the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands.

This year the t-shirts were on offer for a £2 donation to the STV Children’s Appeal, which helps children in every part of Scotland.

Last year ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly visited an Angus sheep farm and a Dundee butchers as part of the Scotch Lamb activity in support of the Kiltwalk, to raise funds for the STV Children’s Appeal.

Sean Batty joined butchers, farmers and QMS staff, including Eunice the Scotch Lamb mascot, during the walk and again during the Live Show in September.