North Highlands Premier Brand Hosted Premier London Chefs

28th April 2009

Organised and hosted by Mey Selections, and with the support of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a group of ten top London chefs have, over the past few days, experienced for themselves just what it is about the North Highlands that produces award winning food and drink.

Philip Corrick, Head Chef of the Royal Automobile Club, commented, "I am certain I speak for the rest of the group when I say that the North Highlands is unique in the UK in being able to deliver time after time, such a variety of quality produce - be it beef, lamb, mutton, seafood, cheese or bakery products, and much more."

"The winning combination of the unspoilt environment together with the care and traditional skills employed by the region's fine food producers creates wonderful ingredients and products which consistently deliver on taste and performance.

"I, for one, am happy to include them in our menus and offer them to the guests in our restaurants," he added.

Derek Quelch, Head Chef of the leading London Goring Hotel, said, "During this visit we have been privileged to meet some of the farmers, fishermen and fine food producers who so obviously care for their environment and the sustainability of food production in the area."

Tracy Waters, Business Development Manager for Mey Selections explained, "It is less than four years since Mey Selections was formed by Caithness farmers, inspired by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, to select and source supplies of the highest quality farm, marine and food products from the North Highlands.

"In that time the brand has attracted not only a host of awards and interest from consumers around the UK, but it has succeeded in supporting the economic development of the area and our aim is to continue to build on this success. We are proud that these London chefs, and the hoteliers, farmers and fishers and food producers in the North Highlands can get to know each other a bit more through this trip - and that customers in London can taste our products. " she added.

Keen to support young local talent and develop skills for the next generation, Mey Selections arranged with the North Highland College at Thurso that their catering students prepare an informal lunch for the visiting chefs. The students rose to the challenge with gusto and as Lisa Sutherland, Senior Sous Chef at The Sheraton, Park Lane, commented, "These students are an excellent example of the skills base and enthusiasm alive in this area."

During their trip the chefs also enjoyed a private tour of the Castle of Mey. A watercolour painting of the castle by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay is reproduced on all Mey Selections products.

Other highlights of the visit included:

· An early morning visit to Scrabster Seafoods where they were able to meet Managing Director William Calder and see for themselves the quality of the fish and shellfish, as well as observe the daily Fish Market.

· A visit and discussion with Danny Miller, Chairman of Mey Selections at his beef farm at Bilbster, near Wick.

· A Tour of Old Pulteney Distillery at Wick

· Cheese tasting and discussions with Rory Stone at his creamery near Tain.

· A trip to Struan Apiaries near Conan Bridge, where prize-winning honey maker Hamish Robertson and his sons produce Mey Selections honeys.

Chefs attending the trip included:
Chris Tombling - Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park
Philip Corrick - Royal Automobile Club
Derek Quelch - The Goring
Gemma Tuley - Roast
Chris Warwick - Galvin Restaurants
Lisa Sutherland - The Sheraton, Park Lane
Tony Cameron - Oriental Club
Jérôme Ponchelle - Wiltons Restaurant
Tim Tolley - Plateau Restaurant
Roger Hatfield - D&D Restaurants
Gordon Hogg - London butcher

North Highland Products Limited is the company formed by Caithness farmers to select and source premium quality food and drink products from the most northerly area of the British Isles. All ingredients for Mey Selections products are sourced wherever possible from within a 100 mile radius of the Castle of Mey. Mey Selections gives a fair price to our traditional family farmers, fishermen and food producers.

For further information regarding Mey Selections and North Highlands Products, please visit www.mey-selections.com