Local businesses received a boost with crowds out in force for Lochboisdale Food and Drink Festival
Iain Stephen Morrison
Lochboisdale was transformed last weekend with scores in attendance a new event celebrating local food and drink hosted on 5th September 2021. Local businesses and Stòras Uibhist worked together to organise the first Lochboisdale Food and Drink Festival.
Numerous local producers set up stalls in marquees to take advantage of a much-needed opportunity to promote their businesses after the challenges of COVID-19.
Producers on-site included Croft and Cuan, Urachadh Uibhist, North Uist Distillery and Double Mac at Burnside, while Borrodale Hotel served cocktails to a backdrop of music from the team at Ceòlas. Tagsa Uibhist sold produce from its site in Balivanich and several crafters set out their wares for the passing trade at Lochboisdale.
Mary Schmoller, chair of Stòras Uibhist, said: “Stòras Uibhist is delighted at the turnout for the Lochboisdale Food and Drink Festival. Locals and visitors enjoyed the day and the feedback has been incredible. It was a fun event, the result of collaborative working with local businesses and organisations. We look forward to working with the community to put on future events.”
Kevin Morrison from Croft and Cuan commented: “Community support for this first event was amazing and more people came along than we ever imagined. It shows there is so much demand for this type of event in Lochboisdale so we hope it will be the first of many local produce events.”
Donnie Steele from Uist Gifts & Info said: “Huge thanks to all the visitors and members of the community for coming together and supporting the stallholders and businesses. It was unbelievably busy and far exceeded our aspirations for the day, with the communities of our five islands making for a positive event and a brilliant day.
“We are actively discussing a similar event in the very near future, possibly in conjunction with Lochboisdale Amenity Trust and the switching on of the lights at Christmas.
“Having events like this helps communities to be more connected, resilient and thrive. When you support local businesses, you are not only helping to support local entrepreneurs, you are bringing communities together and helping to make a valued contribution to the local economy.”
