Rachael Hamilton MSP hosted a ‘Celebration of Game Dinner’ in Holyrood, which saw gamekeeping and hospitality students from across Scotland compete for the ‘Field to Fork’ award.
The aim of the dinner was to highlight Scottish game and celebrate the achievements of young people in the rural sector.
Each college entered a pair of students from each discipline to come up with dishes that celebrate the best of Scottish Game, with the best three dishes being presented as starters at the dinner.
The award was won by Borders College students, Billy Ewart (gamekeeping) and Anne Letham (chef) for their curried rabbit samosa, a variation of a classic Indian dish.
The award was presented by Great British Bake Off finalist, Flora Shedden and the Borders students fought off fierce competition from students of the North Highland College and SRUC Elmwood Campus.
The dinner was organised by various countryside charities and organisations, including Scottish Natural Heritage, BASC, Scottish Land and Estates and the Scottish Countryside Alliance.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“I am indebted to all those who came together to make the ‘Field to Fork’ competition and dinner a tremendous success.
“Congratulations must go to our Borders winners, Billy Ewart and Anne Letham. Their twist on a classic samosa was delicious with their hard work really paid off!
“It goes to show how game is so versatile and has significantly lower food miles than other types of produce.
“The students’ efforts were very impressive and it is encouraging that many young people are learning vital skills in order to keep our countryside alive”