Gastronomy symposium helps shape Scotland's food landscape

The team behind the UK’s first MSc Gastronomy course at Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University are teaming up with their Italian counterparts from the University of Gastronomic Science to host an ambitious event in the capital this April to celebrate food culture in Scotland.

Following the success of Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink, Scotland’s Food Symposium will feature two days of lectures, presentations and discussions, as well as tastings creative performances and food demonstrations that will offer a real insight into the significance of food to Scotland.

Charlotte Maberly, Programme Leader on the MSc Gastronomy at Queen Margaret University, explained: “In Scotland, food has been a cause for both celebration and concern - an economic success story and symbol of our environment. It can also be the source of cultural stereotypes and worries about our public health.

“This event allows us to explore our thriving food culture and our relationship with food. By talking, thinking, making and eating, we will consider the actual and potential significance of food in Scotland. Health, taste, heritage and creativity will play a role, as will Scotland’s place within the network of global food systems.”


Donald Reid, Food Editor at The List and Lecturer in Gastronomy at QMU, said: “Food connects us all. It is both ordinary and extraordinary, nourishing mind and body, shaping economies and social justice. It connects us to particular places and helps us express our culture and history. This symposium will allow us to celebrate Scottish food, assess the food and drink landscape in Scotland and look at different ways to influence positive change in our societies – both at home and internationally.”

Charlotte Maberly concluded: “We are also delighted to have a prestigious line up of panel guests including Shirley Spear (The Three Chimneys and Scottish Food Commission), Sheila Dillon (BBC Radio 4 Food Programme) and Geoff Tansey (Food Ethics Council and Fabian Commission) to lead discussion at the symposium.

Scotland’s Foodscape will take place on the 26th and 27th April at Summerhall, Edinburgh.
Opportunities are still open for contributors as well as delegates. Further information at www.scotlandfoodsymposium.com 

If you are interested in studying Gastronomy, visit the QMU website: http://www.qmu.ac.uk/businesspg/pg_mscgastronomy.htm


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