Borders College Winning duo make it a hat-trick at Scottish Parliament

It’s a hat-trick for Borders College after winning the Field to Fork competition for the third year in a row!!  Great British Bake Off Finalist Flora Shedden announced Borders College students Ann Letham (Hospitality) and Billy Ewart (Gamekeeping) as the winning duo at the ‘Celebration of Scottish Game’ awards dinner held at the Scottish Parliament.

The evening was sponsored by Rachael Hamilton MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.  Prior to the dinner Rachael welcomed guests to the prestigious venue and encouraged all to embrace Scotland’s natural food.

The starter came in the form of a trio of the finalists’ dishes, including a rabbit and haggis bonbon, curried rabbit samosa and pheasant with wild mushrooms. This was followed by the main course of roast partridge.

After the main course, Pete Moore (Scottish Natural Heritage) and Catriona Frankitti (BASC) introduced the Field to Fork project to guests, highlighting the importance of game, and reconnecting people with local and natural produce, and encouraging best practice and responsible use of natural food resources.

Students from Hospitality and Gamekeeping courses at Borders College, SRUC Elmwood, and North Highland College UHI partnered up for the competition, working in pairs over the preceding months to learn more about each other’s industry before producing and serving dishes of their own design in celebration of game and fresh local produce.

Head judge Catriona Frankitti told guests that the standard of work from each College was great across all aspects, not just the food presented, and each College delivered their very best version of their dish on finals day. Catriona then invited Great British Bake Off Finalist Flora Shedden to announce the winners.

After the presentation, the winning duo told of their delight to be bringing the trophy back to the Borders for the third year in a row.Curriculum and Learning Manager,

Joanne George said:

“I am absolutely delighted for Ann and Billy. They have dedicated a lot of time and hard work to the competition and all of us at Borders College are very proud of them both. I am equally as delighted for the staff team involved as their support and guidance undoubtedly contributed to the overall success.”

Congratulations to all involved, particularly the Borders College winners, Ann and Billy, and their fellow finalists Sara-Jayne Strachan and Lucas Alonso Spring (SRUC Elmwood) and Ryan MacNicol and Sam Lyle (North Highland College UHI) Highland College UHI).

Ann and Billy follow on from previous winners Billy Brogan and Finlay Knox (2017), and Connor Gray and Monica Ndungu (2016).

Applications for Gamekeeping and Catering courses are now open.