Dingwall Academy's unique 'Scotland Burger' set to tantalise tastebuds
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A BRILLIANT burger devised by a pair of Dingwall Academy pupils in response to a competition challenge is set to raise funds for the county's largest secondary school – as well as draw attention to some fine produce on the Black Isle.
A burger making competition at the school saw a distinguished panel of judges asked to pick their favourites based on flavour alone.
Pupils who had recently moved into their exam options year were invited to be as adventurous as they liked in what ingredients they added to the beef which was supplied by Black Isle Produce from its small herd of rare breed Kerry cattle bred in Resolis.
Working in pairs and choosing their favourite from their initial four burgers to go into the competition, the 40 pupils also had to come up with their mouth-watering creation in time for the start of judging, adding a bit of pressure and lots of excitement to proceedings.
Two health and food technology teachers, Angela Callanan , who was on maternity leave when the competition took place, and Leanne Sumner, led the pupils through all the real life challenges of inventing a recipe. That included trying it out, making changes, being aware of allergies, solving problems such as making a burger that holds its shape and then going into production on the set launch day.
The judges were Janet Bowen, Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Skye and Lochalsh; Karen Cormack, head teacher of Dingwall Academy; Quintin Stevens, director of The Storehouse restaurant near Evanton, and Ali Wilkerson, co-owner of Tullochard Bed and Breakfast in Alness and former chef at Mary Culter House Hotel, Aberdeenshire.
The top taste was adjudged to be the Scotland Burger made by Shaunna Urquhart and Kaya MacDonald. In second place were Isla Shand and Bethany Fraser. Third was awarded to Oscar Stansfield and Leah Bremner.
A special prize was awarded for the most inventive or original name – won by Skinny Legend dreamt up by Olivia Mitchell and Tori Stewart.
The organiser of the competition, Sally Ann Jackson, herdsman of the Black Isle Produce cattle, thanked head teacher Karen Cormack and Morris Dillon, the head of the health and nutrition faculty, for agreeing to their pupils taking part in the competition and also the judges, pupils and teachers for their time, energy and skill given to make the event such a success.
A Lakeland gift voucher has been organised for the school to use in its HFT department.
The winning burger will be launched in Culbokie on Monday, July15 when it will be available to buy from the Black Isle Produce Burger Van. Quintin Stevens has also offered to sell the winning burger at the Storehouse for a week with £1 from every sale going to Dingwall Academy.
