Entries are closing soon for the first World Shortbread Championships, with junior, amateur and professional bakers preparing to put their recipes to the test in Inverness this November.

A new Mexican street food business is coming to Inverness city centre as the husband and wife team behind Ollie's Pops prepare to open their second venture inside the Victorian Market. Victoria and Bruce will open Ancho in the Market Food Hall on Thursday 1 October, serving birria, burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas and wraps.

The distinctive character of Orkney peat is at the heart of a new limited whisky released today as Aceo Spirits takes its Smoky Scot range beyond its traditional Islay home. Smoky Scot Island Peat Edition Orkney Release went on sale on 15 September, becoming the first expression in a new series exploring how peat differs across Scotland's whisky producing islands.

First Minister John Swinney has called on the UK Government to cut spirits duty in next month's Autumn Budget to support Scotland's Scotch whisky industry. The intervention follows talks with Scotch Whisky Association members as the industry argues that a 17% increase in excise duty over the past three years has increased pressure on distillers, their supply chains and hospitality businesses.

Carr's Flour Mills has been named headline sponsor of the first World Shortbread Championships as spectator tickets go on sale for the event in Inverness. The championships will take place at Inverness Leisure on Saturday 21 November 2026, bringing professional, amateur and junior bakers together to compete for the title of world's finest shortbread maker. The Kirkcaldy based flour mill has almost 200 years of milling heritage and will put its name behind the inaugural event organised by High Life Highland.

Scottish ministers are meeting retailers, producers, farmers, fishers and charities as proposals for legal price caps on essential food items move into consultation.

Scottish food and drink producers are being offered the chance to put their products on Scotmid shelves as the retailer begins its search for its next Scottish Favourites. Applications are now open for the 2026 competition, with three Gold Award winners set to receive a listing in Scotmid stores as well as £2,000 to help support their launch.

The price of everyday food essentials could be controlled in Scotland under new proposals aimed at helping households struggling with the cost of their weekly shop. The Scottish Government has opened a consultation on plans for a food price cap, including which products and retailers could be covered and how the system could operate without harming farmers and food producers.

A young hospitality professional from Port Appin has been named among the three finalists for a major Highlands and Islands tourism award after building her career on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Jolene Levy, 29, from The Pierhouse Hotel and The Linnhe Storehouse & Cafe, is shortlisted for the Rising Star title at the 2026 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in Inverness.

Highlands and Islands MSP Ariane Burgess has called for greater investment in local food production as concerns grow over Scotland's reliance on imported fruit and vegetables.

Food and drink businesses across the Highlands, Moray and Western Isles have secured more than £1.39 million for new equipment, increased production and investment in local processing.

Moray farmers could receive grants of up to £20,000 through the latest Future Farming Investment Scheme, with £14.25 million available across Scotland.

Ness Walk in Inverness will welcome two of Tuscany's most celebrated wine estates for an exclusive evening of rare vintages, Highland produce and guided wine tasting on 21 November.

The First Minister visited the Black Isle Show as the Scottish Government confirmed a new £14.25 million round of farming investment grants, with enhanced support for Highlands and Islands businesses and crofters.

Students across Scotland can celebrate SQA Results Day with a free Garlic and Mozzarella Bombe at Zizzi as the latest figures show rising pass rates and record qualification achievements.