Scottish produce is some of the best in the world. Shetland lamb and Islay oysters regularly feature on the menus of Europe’s great restaurants. Fishmongers in France and Spain will tell you that Scotland’s seafood is the best in the world. While everyone else has been seduced, Scotland has until relatively recently kept quiet about the wonders of its natural larder.

But all this is changing. The west coast of Scotland - particularly Loch Lomond and the islands - are at the heart of a new gastro-awareness. This weekend, Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival will be celebrating the best of Scottish produce and cooking.

Now in its third year, the festival sits in a stunning location on the shores of Loch Lomond with views of Scotland’s most southerly Munro, Ben Lomond.

Browse delicious local produce in the Food and Drink marquee. Munch on fresh bread, game and fish, Scotland’s national dish haggis and neeps, hog roasts, meatballs or buy them to cook yourself at home. Sample local French produce such as cheeses, cured meats and olives at the French farmers' market. There are also several opportunities to sample Scotland’s many wonderful beverages - wine and whisky-tasting and many ales to sup on at the Loch Lomond Real Ale festival, which runs concurrently.

For the budding chefs among you there will be cookery demonstrations from some of the west coast’s top talent. Head chef Donn Eadie from Colquhoun's at The Lodge on Loch Lomond - famous for signature dishes such as roast saddle of wild venison, red cabbage, black budding and dauphine potato - will use his skills to create a vegetarian dish. Colin Bussey, from budding foodie destination Cameron House hotel and previously Gleneagles, and head chef Ben Battersby will be sizzling a few typical west coast dishes to inspire would-be cooks. Charismatic Tom Lewis, the award-winning chef from the Monachyle Mohr boutique hotel will also be on hand to dish out advice with his brother, Dick.

There’s a chance to cook for the little ones, too. Fi Bird, a mother of six and past Masterchef finalist, will be demonstrating the practical skills of preparing and cooking food. She will be making popular children’s food with a twist to give kids confidence in the kitchen and show them how delicious healthy food can be.

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival, Loch Lomond, Sept 8, 9. For more information go to www.lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival.com or www.eatscotland.com

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