Potato event aims to generate ‘buzz’ among gardeners

People are being encouraged to reconnect with the land at event which showcases a range of heritage brands

Organisers of a major celebration of Scottish tatties are hoping to build on the success of last year’s event as people are encouraged to “reconnect with the land”.

The second Strathmore Tattie Day, which is supported by The Courier, will take place in Perthshire’s production heartland and will showcase a range of heritage brands, presentations by well-known potato pundits, children’s activities and a range of stalls selling the best of Scottish produce.

The event is part of a growing movement across the UK to highlight the nutritious and environmental benefits of the tasty, but humble spud.

Andrew Skea, of Skea Organics, will be showcasing 60 heritage brands of potatoes and is encouraging people to come along and enjoy the event.

He said: “Tatties are an important part of Scotland’s culinary heritage and most of those consumed in Scotland are grown here, it’s essentially our indigenous carbohydrate.

“My interest in the event is not so much commercial, it’s about helping people know where their food comes from and how it is produced.”

Mr Skea said that for anyone interested in growing their own, growbags and a range of varieties of tubers will be available to buy on the day, while people will also be able to speak to the producers.

He said: “People don’t need to have big gardens to grow tatties, they can be grown in containers or grow-bags in small spaces such as patios and they can also grow different varieties too – especially some that you just won’t see in the supermarket.

“Some have blue or pink coloured flesh and can make an excellent centrepiece on any plate.

“The day will also provide an opportunity to speak to potato producers face-to-face, something that doesn’t often happen when customers use mail-order to make their purchases.”

Varieties available on the day, some of which are favourites of celebrity chefs, include Arran Victory, Mayan Twilight, Edzell Blue, Red Duke of Yorks, Sharpe’s Express and Pink Fir Apple.

The Coupar Angus organics growers group will also offer information on growing your own food as well as hosting a seed swap and providing some cuttings and plants for people to take away on the day.

Participating stalls include chilli farmers, Foragers, Organic Welltree chutneys, Bourtree jams and preserves and Simply Herdwick, who produce grass-fed Herdwick lamb, The Muckle Backit Oven from Auchmithie and Madderty Micro Brewery from Crieff.

Experts at the event include John Marshall, a potato enthusiast from Auchtermuchty, permaculturist Graham Bell and Kate Everett, who runs a plant nursery at Inverquiech.

Kate Everett is a permaculture practitioner near Alyth and grows salad for restaurants and farm shops, gardens for food, medicine, wildlife and biodiversity, and is the new custodian of the Red Shed nursery.

Potato Days are now being run across the country, and Mr Marshall will have a stand showing a range of pictures taken during a lifetime spent in the potato industry.

He said: “These are great events, run by volunteers and enthusiasts – they generate a buzz and excitement among gardeners from all walks of life.”

Jane Wilkinson of Special Branch Baskets in Alyth will keep children entertained with a tattie bogle-making workshop in conjunction with Coupar Angus Low Carbon Classroom, and the town’s activities group will host a pop-up café serving tea, coffee and stovies.

The event takes place on February 22 in Coupar Angus town hall.

Entry will be £2 with children going for free.

People don’t need to have big gardens to grow tatties, they can be grown in containers or growbags. ANDREW SKEA

Visitors, above, at the event last year held at Coupar Angus Cycle Hub and, left, Andrew Skea who is encouraging people to attend the day.