Skye’s world-renowned cook and author, Lady Claire Macdonald has been honoured with a prestigious award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Scottish food and drink.
Lady Claire has won the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society’s 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the most prestigious in the food industry.
It was introduced in 1998 to recognise excellence, innovation and quality over a broad span of years to an industry individual, company or product.
Lady Claire, with her husband and family runs the Kinloch Lodge Hotel, in South Skye. It has been her home for the past 32 years and is listed among the 100 best small hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveller magazine.
Author of 17 cookery books and a regular contributor of food articles for newspapers and magazines, Lady Claire has recently filmed a new 15-part series for the UK Food television channel which will be aired in Spring 2006. RHASS chairman John Young said: ‘For many years now Claire Macdonald has been a marvellous ambassador for Scottish food and its variety, seasonality and quality.
‘Through her own cooking, demonstrating, writing and broadcasting, she has literally spread the word about one of Scotland’s great assets.’
A delighted Lady Claire said: ‘I am extremely honoured to have been chosen to
receive such an important award. As a cook for many more years than I care to remember, my philosophy is simple – buy good quality local produce in the season it should be eaten and taste the difference. In a constantly changing world, where cooks and food fads come and go, I am delighted to be recognised for doing something I love. Over a period of 30 years, I have been happy to share my passion for food and to be given this award as a result is a very welcome surprise.’
The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland was founded in 1784 to promote the regeneration of rural Scotland, as well as the preservation of its poetry, language and music.
Today, the society is responsible for the annual Royal Highland Show, held at Ingliston, near Edinburgh.
From the Oban Times, 27 October 2005.