Highlights at the EICC We recently hosted two events that couldn’t be any more different – one is a celebration of gaming culture, the other a flagship awards ceremony for the Scottish food and drink industry

Insomnia Gaming Festival

Insomnia Gaming Festival

Insomnia Gaming Festival came to Scotland for the first time in May, much to the delight of Scottish gamers. The festival, which has been running for more than 14 years, holds regional events around the UK, with the first visit north of the border being heralded a great success. Little sleep was had over the action-packed weekend as gamers of all ages and backgrounds came together to take part in live interactive shows, play games from across the gaming spectrum and attend panel talks. There was also an ‘indie zone’ to try out new games before they were released, a ‘retro zone’ where gamers could experience classic console titles, as well as opportunities to win cash prizes in free-to-play tournaments and see popular YouTube stars, including Yogscast and Gizzy Gazza.

Insomnia Gaming Festival

Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards

On 2 June, 800 guests enjoyed a drinks reception and dinner showcasing the very best of Scotland’s natural larder at the 2016 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards. Simon Rimmer, chef and presenter of C4’s Sunday Brunch, hosted this year’s annual ceremony, which sold out in record time. Twenty winners were chosen from 245 entries across 19 categories which strive to recognise businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality. Award-winning products ranged from seaweed flakes to macaroons and buffalo steak, with Scottish Sea Farms, Graham’s The Family Dairy and Stoats among the winners at what is regarded as Scotland’s most prestigious food and drinks’ ceremony.

Scotland Food & Drink Chief Executive James Withers said: “Congratulations to all winners and finalists who have been selected from a record number of entries by our panel of more than 35 judges. They recognise the people, products and practices which make Scotland a Land of Food and Drink and represent the wealth of our industry from artisan producers to established brands. Welcoming 800 people to the sold-out awards ceremony and dinner is testament to the success of the sector. This flagship event is a great opportunity to take stock of success to date and to look ahead to the future as we shape the industry’s strategy to 2030.”