A small, socially distanced, press launch was held for the arrival of the trailer, on the 7th May on the waterfront at Holmsgarth, to publicise the photography and naming competitions.
Special thanks go to Northlink Ferries for providing transport to Shetland for the completed trailer and to the Lerwick Port Authority for their kind permission to hold the launch on the waterfront and for providing a generator.
A selection of seafood snacks were prepared in a mini demonstration for the event. Thanks to SFAD members Scottish Sea Farms, Blydoit Fish Ltd. and Whalsay Made for their delicious donations.
Extensive press coverage meant that there were 77 images entered into the competition, representing the work of 20 local photographers. SFAD directors and the designers involved in creating the wrap are currently deliberating over a tough decision, and a winner will be announced shortly. There is a cash prize of £200 for the person who has submitted the winning image to feature on the side of the trailer. The photographer will also have their name included in the trailer wrap design.
SFAD would still like to give the trailer a name and are asking the public, and particularly young people, to share their suggestions on social media @tasteofshetland or by contacting us here. A Taste of Shetland apron, tea towel and tote bag will be gifted to one lucky trailer name winner.
Chair of SFAD, Marian Armitage, said: "We are deeply grateful to the Crown Estate and to our sponsors for bringing this asset to life for the benefit of businesses and communities across Shetland. Once the trailer is branded and management processes are in place, it will be available to hire for event, demonstration, education, retail and pop-up catering use in Shetland and beyond. We feel confident that it will be a great vehicle for increasing the profile of Shetland food and drink.”
Thanks also go to the Shetland Fish Producers Organisation, Shetland Livestock Marketing Group, Shetland Young Farmers Association, EG Farming and Ness Engineering for supporting the trailer construction. Last but not least, heartfelt thanks to DH Marine, Blydoit Fish Ltd., Shetland Aerogenerators and the Scalloway Meat Co. who will be sponsoring the trailer branding.
Anyone interested in hiring the Taste of Shetland trailer should contact us.
