Champion beer of Scotland

CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, has announced that Orkney-based Highland Brewery's Dark Munro has been voted Champion Beer of Scotland at the Scottish Traditional Beer Festival held in The Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.

The final results were:
1st Dark Munro: Highland Brewery, Birsay, Orkney
2nd Maverick : Fyne Brewery, Cairndow, Argyll
3rd Piper's Gold: Fyne Brewery, Cairndow, Argyll

Highland Brewery was founded in January 2006 by Rob Hill, a brewer with 25 years' experience in the brewing sector. He said: “I am absolutely over the moon. Dark Munro has been selling extremely well as it is a very drinkable ale with loads of malt and a wonderful balance of flavour at around 4% abv.”

CAMRA's Regional Director for Scotland, Ken Davie, congratulated the winner, saying: “The judges agreed all the eight beers in the final were in very good condition and well presented and the score was extremely close. “But Dark Munro was the deserving winner and the years of experience Rob Hill has in brewing shone through in this fantastic, traditional style Scottish dark ale.”

Talking of dark ale, I have to say that Orkney does Scotland proud. Dark Island is a favourite real ale of mine. Perhaps not a summery ale but it definately adds some warmth to the soul in the Winter!

Any suggestions for favourite ales and Scottish pubs from our readers?

UKTV Local Food Hero 2007

For the second year - Gary Rhodes and UKTV Food have launched a nationwide search to discover Britain’s ultimate food champion. Now’s your chance to get involved – there’s £40,000 for the ultimate food champion.

These awards celebrate home-grown local success stories. From farm shops to tea rooms, to bakers and butchers Gary Rhodes’ Local Food Heroes 2007 asks food lovers to vote for, and reward, their food heroes’ passion for putting quality food on our plates.

To nominate, vote and review your favourite food business simply log onto http://www.uktvfood.co.uk/. Voting ends on 20 August when the final shortlist is announced. Find out more about how to vote and also the exciting wildcard category – it’s all on the website.

Quote from Gary...
"UKTV Food's Local Food Hero 2007 is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the very best of food and produce across Britain. The awards are a tribute to everyone who puts great British produce onto plates, into shops and markets, and on pub and restaurant tables."

What makes a UKTV Food hero?

Passion

We’re looking to support small-scale businesses that exhibit pride and passion for their craft and don’t compromise on quality.

Quality
Great taste scores - as does sound business practice. For example, the coffee shop owner who roasts and grinds beans on-site, the deli manager who sources outstanding olive oil direct from the grove; and the butcher who sells meat from locally reared animals.

Environmentally sound
From ethically sourced ingredients to animal welfare - we’d expect our food heroes to be aware of seasonality, sustainable food issues, and to respect the land and people who farm it.

Contributing to local communities
Whether celebrating local food traditions, making superb sandwiches for office workers or helping farmers at home stay afloat – we’re looking for heroes who give something to the community they live in and work with.

It’s easy to vote for your local food hero. For more information simply click on to www.uktvfood.co.uk.

Why not let EatScotland visitors know about your local food hero, post your comments here!