Leading contract caterer Elior helped celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink at the Summer Test against Italy on Saturday 29 August, by expanding the range of Scottish food and drink on offer.

As operators of the Murrayfield Experience brand – the official provider of hospitality and events at BT Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh – Elior’s food and drink offering formed part of an exciting and varied match-day experience, which included live music from Hot Dub Time Machine.

Fans could choose from sizzling venison and Aberdeen Angus beef burgers sourced from highland estates, complete with Lockerbie mature cheddar cheese, delicious fresh salmon and crab from Loch Fyne on the west coast, wood-fired pizzas and fresh, homemade pastas.

Elior sourced the widest possible selection of authentically Scottish cuisine from independent suppliers such as Perthshire Farmers, who offered up locally sourced premium lamb burgers to festival-goers at Scone Palace in July.

Mackie’s of Scotland also attended for the first time and served fans the traditional treat of a cone or tub of their award-winning range of ice cream, all made on the family farm in Aberdeenshire. Mackie’s gamely got into the spirit of the day with a competition for fans in the best beach party themed fancy dress to win a fantastic prize – a year’s supply of Mackie’s ice cream.

Dominic McKay, director of commercial operations, communications and public affairs at Scottish Rugby said: “We are always looking to give our fans the best experience possible when they attend BT Murrayfield to support Scotland, and we think that offering this selection of great food and drink has made it even more special for all of the record Summer Test crowd.”

Fiona Richmond, Scotland Food & Drink project manager, said: “I welcome the news that BT Murrayfield Stadium is expanding the offering of Scottish food and drink in its food-to-go catering on match days to thousands of attendees.

“This development comes during the Year of Food and Drink, a celebration of events and products that champion Scottish provenance and the country’s excellent larder.”

Carl Morris, Elior’s marketing director, said: “We were delighted to be able to offer Scotland supporters a wide choice of authentically Scottish cuisine, by carefully sourcing our food offering from a range of trusted independent suppliers. The fans were able to eat like kings, vastly adding to their enjoyment of the match.”