Record attendance at Taste North as Rustie Lee is star of the show
The irrepressible Rustie Lee lit up Taste North 2025 as the far north’s one-day festival of food and drink attracted a record turnout in its 10th anniversary year.
A crowd of 2780 attended Sunday’s event in Wick High School, and organisers say they are thrilled by the way it has developed into “an experience that lifts our entire community”.
Guest chef Rustie kept onlookers enthralled and entertained at each of the three cookery demonstrations she presented.
With her boundless enthusiasm and cheery chat, the British-Jamaican TV personality blended food with fun as she prepared a series of delicious dishes and mixed a cocktail containing a generous helping of Ice and Fire rum – all of which she shared with audience members. She led singalongs and even laughed off a temporary problem with a malfunctioning cooker.
Rustie first came to the fore as a chef on TV-am in the 1980s and has made countless television appearances, including an acting role in EastEnders. She is renowned for her Caribbean culinary expertise and has written several cookery books.
This was her first visit to Wick.
Speaking after her opening demonstration, when she made a chowder, Rustie said: “It has been lovely, after a few little hiccups like the cooker not working!
“The audience is fabulous.”
In her two further demonstrations Rustie served up a venison recipe and made a prawn and pineapple dish.
There were also two cocktail masterclasses, presented by Taste North regular Simon Collier in the Newton Park Primary School gym.
Sixty exhibitors attended from across Caithness and Sutherland and beyond.
Taste North 2025 was organised by VN Cooperative, whose chairperson Ellie Lamont said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with how our 10th event unfolded on Sunday. Breaking our record for exhibitors and seeing footfall up 32 per cent on last year demonstrates something really special – this isn’t just an event, it’s an experience that lifts our entire community.
“Rustie Lee went down a storm – you could feel the energy and connection.
“What makes us most proud is that everyone benefits. Our local suppliers saw increased sales, visitors discovered incredible producers on their doorstep, and the whole community came together around a shared love of great food and drink.
“That’s the real success story here – these events create ripples that extend far beyond the day itself. They strengthen local businesses, bring people together and showcase the best of what we have right here.
“As we launch into our year of activity including the foodie trail, we’re excited to keep building these experiences that benefit everyone and celebrate what makes our community so vibrant.”
Exhibitors showcasing food and drink and crafts came from across Caithness and Sutherland as well as from Orkney, Inverness-shire, Aviemore, Skye, Broughty Ferry and Kinross.
Kerry Campbell, who runs 8 Doors Distillery at John O’Groats with her husband Derek, said: “It’s a fantastic event, we’re delighted to be part of it. It’s great to see this amazing showcase of local food and drink producers and crafters.”
Richard Flannery from Highland Charcuterie and Smoke House, based at Oldshoremore in north-west Sutherland, is another regular exhibitor.
He described Taste North as “very well organised”, adding: “It’s a really good event and it’s one I will never miss, even though it’s a three-hour drive to come here.
“A lot of people remember me from year to year, so they come and buy more.”
Allan Farquhar, a director of John O’Groats Brewery, said: “You can see how many small vendors there are just going about the place. It’s not until everybody comes together that you realise the scope and the depth and breadth of products we actually manufacture here as small businesses.
“It’s really heartening seeing everybody, and the crowd coming out to support us as well.”
During the afternoon the winners were announced in the annual Taste North Challenge baking competition, in which talented local cooks create exceptional dishes using Highland ingredients. It was again sponsored by Developing the Young Workforce North Highland and Mackays Hotel, Wick.
The open winner was Lynne McCallum, while the 15-and-under prize went to Ellie Cuthbert. Lucy Haden-Homer came out on top in the age 16-24 category and the winning commercial operator was Mandy Boydell, of CC Chocolatier.
The category for UHI student was won by Kira McCallum Swinfield.
Taste North 2025 was supported by NRS Dounreay, Halsary Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, Tannach and District Wind Farm Trust Fund, Stroupster Wind Farm Community Fund, Highland Council, Foundation Scotland, Halkirk and District Benefit Fund, Dunrobin Castle, DYW North Highlands, Highland Broadband and Mackays Hotel.
Last year’s Venture North had set a new attendance record of more than 2100. Tony Singh was the guest chef.