Food

Food is a topic close to the hearts of many and Transition Black Isle is no exception.

As well as tantalising the tastebuds, fresh, local produce is good for happiness, our own health and that of the planet.

A vast proportion of what people eat is transported hundreds or thousands of miles by truck, train, ship and plane, causing massive emissions of greenhouse gases, which are causing dangerous climate change.

Taking strawberries in December or air-freighted sugar snap peas from Asia for granted doesn't make a lot of sense.

The Black Isle is a fertile area, perfect for growing a broad range of crops and rearing poultry and livestock.  Supporting local producers boosts the local economy - and, crucially, the closer the food is from source to plate, the better it tastes! Growing and eating locally is satisfying, tasty and fun. And being in tune with the turning of the seasons means there's always something different on the horizon to look forward to.

Transition Black Isle's food group aims to slash food miles through two flagship projects it is running this year.

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government's Climate Challenge Fund, Grow North and the Highland Food Challenge will help householders across the Black Isle savour a greater proportion of local food and cut their carbon footprints. See our calendar for local food events.

Anyone with an interest in growing, cooking, preserving or simply eating food is very welcome to come along. E-mail food@transitionblackisle.org for more information.