Martin Whitfield MSP has welcomed the announcement that Gullane is to hold its inaugural Food and Drink Festival in April this year.

Community groups, pubs and cafes have all joined forces to back the festival, which will be a week-long community celebration of food and rink in the village and run from 4 to 10 April, 2022.

Restaurants will offer drop-in cookery demos using local ingredients and farm and flour mill tours will highlight sustainable, environmentally-friendly food production.

Festival founder and owner of the Cherish Tearoom in Gullane, Louise Pickering, said:

“Gullane, like many villages across Scotland, has suffered from the impact of the Covid pandemic. It has been a challenging 18 months for businesses in the area.

“This is our community’s way of fighting back, bringing people together from across the village. This festival will not only celebrate the area’s excellent food and drink, but also underline the resilience and community spirit local people have demonstrated in the face of the Covid pandemic.

“We have been working hard to secure a diverse selection of producers for the festival and we are sure visitors won’t be disappointed by the excellent food and drink on offer from across the county and beyond.”

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“This festival will be a fantastic boost for the Gullane community and it is heartening to see local businesses, farmers and community groups teaming up to celebrate the area’s food and drink.

“It also shines a spotlight on the importance of community spirit, people working together for the common good. I am sure the festival will attract visitors from far and wide.”

For more information visit @gullanefoodanddrinkfestival on Facebook.