Moray’s parliamentarians are seeking a top-level summit to ensure the region is properly promoted as a world-class tourism destination.
In a meeting today with senior administration councillors, Angus Robertson MP and Richard Lochhead MSP will propose new measures to cement the area’s reputation as one of the “iconic food and drink regions of world”.
The pair are spearheading the move following the recent failure of Moray’s spaceport bid and the troubles facing Forres-based lifesciences firm, Accunostics.
Mr Robertson said: “I am keen to bring together Moray Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other key public and private sector actors to ensure our region is truly promoted at the level you would expect as one of the foremost food and drink regions in the world.
“We have suffered recent setbacks in relation to the spaceport and lifesciences sector, and we must ensure that we make the most of the exciting opportunities that we have in abundance.
“Good work has been undertaken by the Moray Chamber of Commerce and Moray Economic Partnership. Now is the time to bring this together with other public and private sector partners to ensure we have a joined-up approach.”
Mr Lochhead added: “As food and drink minister, it is entirely obvious to me the fantastic produce that is made right here on our doorstep in Moray, but we do not make the most of our outstanding resources like other iconic food and drink regions of the world, such as Rioja, Champagne and Napa Valley in California.”
Scott Armstrong, regional director at VisitScotland, said Moray had all the assets required for a foremost food, drink and tourism region.
He said: “With its globally recognised whisky, amazing food and passionate local producers, Moray Speyside has a huge amount to offer visitors, particularly as we are celebrating the Year of Food and Drink in 2015.”
Mr Robertson met Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes and Chivas Brothers chief executive Laurent Lacassagne to discuss ways to promote Speyside last year.
A spokesman for Diageo said: “We are always happy to engage positively with local partners and stakeholders on the promotion of Scotch, Speyside and Scotland to the world.”