Catering Scotland NewsScottish catering and hospitality news in Scotland

Heinz Foodservice has announced the appointment of Chris Cannon as its new Head of Marketing.
Cannon is determined to grow Heinz in the foodservice sector by driving greater product innovation and building closer relationships with customers and the wider industry. With a wealth of experience in foodservice, his most recent role at Brakes was as a Marketing Manager in the dairy deli and grocery sectors.

'Heinz has so many opportunities for growth in the foodservice sector and we have a job to do in re-engaging with the industry and showing what we can really achieve,' he says. 'I hope to meet as many customers and caterers as possible to ensure our plans remain in touch with the marketplace.'

House for an Art Lover will host a Burns' Night dinner on 25 January celebrating the life of the national bard.
Guests will be welcomed by a piper as they enjoy a glass of champagne in the Music Room, before proceeding to the Main Hall and Dining Room, where they will be served Burns-inspired feast including haggis, neeps & tatties.

Following dinner, guests will be entertained by popular Burns poetry including the perennial Tam O'Shanter as well as a selection of songs provided by Dennis Haggerty and accompaniment.

For tickets and more information, visit the House for an Art Lover website

Over 450 guests attended the Monte Carlo-themed 10th Hospitality Industry Trust Edinburgh lunch at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa on 6 November.
A record £59.6k was raised through the 465 guests' generosity in the auctions and raffle.

The menu was created and cooked by top chefs and members of the Scottish Junior Culinary team, while self-made millionaire Pearse Flynn (pictured) gave an inspired speech on how he'd worked his way to international success in multinational technology companies, launched Contact4 and now owns Livingston Football Club.

The Harlequin Leisure Group has announced its first foray into the fast-food market with the launch of 'Ashoka Express' and 'Italy Express' at the Wellgate Centre in Dundee. The launch marks the start of an anticipated period of rapid expansion for the group, as the Ashoka Express and Italy Express concepts are rolled out throughout the UK.
'With our existing brands, includung Ashoka, Ashoka Shak, Kama Sutra and Spice of Life, I felt that the time was right to introduce a completely different food offering, and our first foray into fast food takeaways, rather than restaurants, represents an exciting new venture for Harlequin.'

The Ashoka Bearsden, part of Harlequin Leisure Group, has benefitted from a £30,000 refit.
The former dark burgundy and mustard decor has been replaced with rich creams and deep browns, giving the restaurant a warm and intimate ambiance.

'The whole restaurant has been totally transformed,' says Mr Aslam (pictured). 'We've even installed a new archway and created a separate section for customers to pick up their carry-out meals. And we've launched a new menu to introduce some exciting new dishes to complement the old favourites. With the makeover and new menu, the Ashoka Bearsden is all set to continue to lead the way for the Harlequin group. However, our regular evening diners can rest reassured that we will continue to offer their favourite dishes.'

James Hughes today takes on the role of Chief Executive at House for an Art Lover, after Garry Sanderson left to commence his new role as General Manager of One Devonshire Gardens.
In addition to his previous eight years with the House, James (pictured) brings extensive experience and expertise in the service industry, including a previous role as General Manager at the Piping Centre as well as acting as Front of House Manager at Graham Technology.
'Our Board of Directors and staff wish to extend our thanks and best wishes to Garry in his future endeavours and, though he will be missed, we feel we're in good hands,' says said David Leslie, Chairman of House for an Art Lover.
'James is a highly accomplished manager and a welcomed asset to our team, and his familiarity with the House will allow him to significantly contribute to our existing excellent reputation.'

Sodexho's 15-year relationship with Shetland Health Board has been extended, after it was re-awarded its hotel services contract for a further five years.
The £1.7 million per year contract includes the provision of catering, cleaning, portering and caretaking, plus laundry and linen at various sites on the Shetland Islands, including the Board's head office, two hospitals, and health centres in Lerwick, Brae and Bixter. In total, Sodexho employs 100 people within the contract.

'I am very proud of the partnerships we have built up over the years with the Board and also with the local community,' says Iain Anderson, Managing Director for Sodexho Healthcare. 'Our team at the Gilbert Bain Hospital, many of whom have worked for us for many years, remain committed to supporting the Board through the services we provide.'