SOME of the county's tastiest food and drink will be served up at a Taste of East Lothian reception at the Scottish Parliament this evening (Wednesday).

Guests have the chance to sample the finest local produce from throughout the county and hear about how local producers are leading the way in collaboration and innovation as the world’s first ever food and drink Business Improvement District (BID).

The Garden County has a thriving food and drink sector, with a rich heritage and reputation for delivering high quality produce.

From flour to beef to rapeseed oil, the rich farmlands of East Lothian produce some of the finest food in the country, with a wide range of alcohol producers also calling East Lothian home.

The East Lothian Food and Drink BID, backed by the local authority, is the first of its kind in the world.

It will deliver a range of projects and services that support the growth and sustainability of East Lothian food and drink companies, whatever their size, in terms of sales and distribution, marketing and a sharing of resources and knowledge.

Ahead of the reception, which was to be held by East Lothian MSP Iain Gray, Louise Elder, producer of Black & Gold Rapeseed Oil, who is leading the group, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for collaboration, giving everyone in the food and drink sector in East Lothian, whether a fledgling or established business, a collective voice.

“By working together, we can create a collective identity, a more vibrant economy and a sustainable future for our businesses.”