Catering Scotland NewsScottish catering and hospitality news in Scotland

Caterer.com is the latest organisation to join the Scottish Tourism Forum, the independent body which promotes the importance of the tourism industry in Scotland.

The move underlines the company's commitment to the Scottish tourism industry. Ian Burke, Caterer.com's director, said: 'The leisure, travel and tourism sector in Scotland employs 182,000 people but with an average staff turnover of 29%, there's a risk the sector could lose about 53,000 employees a year.
'However, the estimated 20,000 tourism businesses in the country already generate revenues of ?4.2b a year, and this is forecast to increase 50% by 2015.

'For that reason, we have decided to work with the Scottish Tourism Forum, HIT Scotland and Springboard UK to raise awareness of the industry as an employer of choice. We have also opened an office in Glasgow to provide a dedicated resource to assist employers in the sector with their ongoing recruitment needs.'

'To improve its service, Caterer.com has also commissioned research into recruitment and retention across Scotland and will be presenting its findings at ScotHot, which takes place during Scottish Tourism Week at the SECC Glasgow on 2-4 March 2009.

www.caterer.com

Anderson Knight have announced the appointment of Sarah Kay to head up the company's Hospitality and Retail division.

With offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Anderson Knight is one of Scotland's fastest-growing independent recruitment consultancies, specialising in the permanent and temporary markets.

'We are offering a first class service to our candidates and clients, and our aim is to grow the division and to continue to build on our success to date,' says Sarah.

Joining Sarah in consultancy roles are Simon Wright and Donna McLeod.

www.andersonknight.com

R34, a new restaurant named after the airship that completed the first transatlantic air crossing in both directions in 1919, has opened in a renovated A-grade building behind Glasgow Airport.

Run by Head Chef John Shields, formerly of the Lodge on Loch Lomond, the restaurant is located on the site where the R34 airship was constructed nearly 90 years ago.

Michelin-starred chef Steven Doherty has been appointed Managing Director of Braehead's new cook school at the company's new 35,000 sq ft HQ in Crosshouse, Ayrshire.

In addition to heading up the cook school, which is due to open in February 2009, Doherty will establish the facility's new restaurant as a venue for corporate hospitality and fine dining.

As well as increasing the range and capacity of products available, the new building houses a demonstration kitchen, restaurant and shop.

www.braeheadfoods.com

Kevin MacGillivray, Vice President of the Federation of Chefs Scotland and Executive Chef for corporate events at Scone Palace, has been invited by the British Ambassador to Beirut to prepare a traditional St Andrew's Day meal for the Ambassador and 250 guests.

'Having previously taken part in similar events in New York, Cyprus, South Korea and Thailand, it is an honour to be asked to these countries to show what Scotland really can do in the kitchen,' explains Kevin.

Frances Guy, who was appointed Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic in 2006, is keen to bring a taste of Scotland to the Lebanon: 'We want to celebrate St Andrew's Day in style,' she said.

As well as the gala dinner, Kevin will also be giving cooking demonstrations to staff and invited guests, and working as executive chef at the Intercontinental Hotel. He leaves for Beirut on 30th November, and will be preparing for the main event on 2nd December.

Martin Wishart has announced the launch of Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond, a new restaurant based at Cameron House on Loch Lomond.

The Michelin-starred chef's association with the famous hotel stretches back to when the property first opened its doors in 1991, where Wishart worked as the hotel's chef de partie: 'This partnership with Cameron House has come at the right time for me and my business, and obviously I have a great affinity with the property,' he said.

Until 31 March 2009, Cameron House is offering a special accommodation package of ?99 bed & breakfast for people dining at Martin Wishart at Loch Lomond.