LEADINGfood producers from Orkney are the stars of a new programme available worldwide, thanks to the revolution in internet TV.
A film crew from Country Channel TV spent three days in the islands to make the programme, which concludes that Orkney-grown food is as good as it gets.
The film assignment was made possible by the Orkney Marketing initiative, which contacted the web-based station with the programme idea and provided financial support to help cover the cost of the visit.
“We have a superb story to tell,” said John Clarke, consultant to the initiative, which is funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Orkney Islands Council.
“Orkney’s food heritage goes back thousands of years to Neolithic times. We have a wonderful environment and superb raw materials. And we have food producers who combine a pride in their heritage with innovative thinking and a commitment to quality.
“The costs involved in travelling to Orkney, to make a film that does full justice to that story, might have been prohibitive.
“That’s where Orkney Marketing was able to help – and the positive feedback we’re getting from everyone who’s seen the programme shows it was a worthwhile investment for us to make.”
Featured in the 17-minute film are Orkney Fishermen’s Society, the Orkney Herring Company, farmer Scott Harcus, Orkney Isles Preserves, the Barony Mill and the lobster hatchery in Lamb Holm.
Glynis Leslie, from Shapinsay-based Orkney Isles Preserves, is shown using local ingredients as she creates jams and chutneys using traditional recipes handed down through the generations in her farming family.
“I’m very impressed by the programme – it’s been put together really well,” she said.
“They did the filming during some really lovely weather so, as well as being good for the businesses that are featured, it’s a great way to promote Orkney.”
Accessible over the internet 24/7, Country Channel TV is the first station of its kind aimed specifically at people who live and work in rural communities, who love the countryside and have an interest in country matters.
At the forefront of a new generation of web-based TV stations, the free-to-view
channel’s directors include BBC sports presenter Rob Bonnet and BBC Breakfast presenter, Bill Turnbull.
Paul Aitken, founder of the Country Channel and director of the film, said: “The idea of producing a film about the heritage of food really got our attention and, as we developed the idea with John Clarke of Orkney Marketing, the more we became convinced this would have great appeal to our viewers.
“I’m delighted with the results – the footage looks great. We crammed a lot into three days, and John did a great job of organising it all. We were made to feel very welcome wherever we went.”
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. You too can post a media release (aka a press release) on allmediascotlan.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Maureen Shearer
Phone: 01856 874638
Email: maureen.shearer@hient.co.uk
Website: http://www.hie.co.uk
