FEAST 2012: A Celebration of Regional Scottish Food

THE PARTNERSHIP......

Jewel & Esk College and Queen Margret University join forces

In January 2010 Queen Margaret University (QMU) and Jewel & Esk College (JEC) signed an agreement that aims to widen access to education and maximise the sustainability of both institutions. The agreement commits both of these forward thinking institutions to explore potential for improvement in management and business efficiencies. However, the main focus of the collaboration is to deliver clear succession pathways and support for students between the institutions.

QMU and JEC are now working collaboratively on a number of exciting projects. One of the first joint ventures was the Food Festival staged at JEC in April 2010. Students from both institutions organised and ran this student led food event which encouraged the use of local produce to create exciting regional dishes. In addition, the event showcased the best of Scottish produce to the public.

The joint food festival is now in its third year. Feast 2012 builds on the outstanding success of the earlier two festivals and the partners will combine staff expertise and a talented student pool from both institutions to deliver a top quality food festival in April 2012. The collaborative nature of the event means that students will work in mixed teams and will benefit from peer learning. The event not only provides excellent training and development opportunities for students, it offers people from the local community and further afield, a fun and exciting culinary experience.

The partners are delighted that their work in producing Feast 2012 will also help to showcase Scotland’s important areas of food and drink which are key priority areas for the Scottish Government. The event aims to raise awareness of Scottish food and drink, not only amongst the public, but also with hospitality, tourism, event management and creative industry students, many of whom will become future ambassadors within these important Scottish industries.

Jewel & Esk College

Jewel & Esk College has been in existence since 1903 as Leith Nautical College, moving to its current location in the 1970s. There have been many changes over the years – not least in 2008 when the college made a £multi-million investment in the future and opened two new, purpose built campuses at Edinburgh and Midlothian. The college is now one of Scotland’s most modern centres for Further Education and offers training across a wide range of subjects – specialising in catering & hospitality, the creative industries, engineering, business and English for speakers of other languages. For further information on Jewel & Esk College visit: www.jec.ac.uk

Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh

From its very inception, Queen Margaret University has focused on providing relevant education and research, addressing real-life issues to enhance the social and economic well-being of all the communities it serves.

As a small university, it aims to offer a community environment to its students in which they can fulfil their potential and where they need never feel lost in the crowd. A commitment to social, ecological and economic sustainability underpins all of the University’s work.

QMU is committed to providing thoroughly relevant teaching and research. The University’s research is focused on making a real practical impact on everyday life, and its courses are designed to produce well prepared, well rounded and flexible graduates.

QMU has flagships in:

• health and rehabilitation,
• creativity and culture, and
• sustainable business.

To find out more about its specialist areas and courses, visit www.qmu.ac.uk

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