A superb evening of food and fun at Abbotsford.
The Scottish Borders Manufacturers' Corporation, was founded in 1776 and is the oldest organisation of its type in the UK. Formed by ten mill owners, the Corporation - originally named the 'Galashiels Manufacturers? Corporation' - was created to assist the further development of the woollen trade in Galashiels.
Every year the Scottish Borders Manufacturers' Corporation host a number of events to help them raise funds for their charitable work. Their annual ball is a great opportunity for members and their guests to enjoy a night of great food, wine and dancing whilst also raising funds through ticket sales and the charity auction. This year they were fundraising for health charities including diabetes charities.
Sir Walter Scott has a long history with the Corporation so hosting the event in Ochiltree's at Abbotsford provides a very special historical link for the event. All our produce is sourced form local suppliers so, in essence, the whole event was a superb show case for the Borders region. Great food, history and people coming together for a wonderful cause
The team worked swiftly to transform Ochiltree’s dining to a venue fit for a ball, we had some fun creating a stop motion video of it.
The evening commenced with some Valentine’s inspired drinks - Spiced Cranberry Martinis and continued with some delicious food from our chefs:
Beetroot glazed goat's cheese bonbons
Glazed winter figs wrapped with Wild Border venison carpaccio speared with Grand veneur jus pipettes
Starters
Smoked salmon terrine, smoked salmon parfait, cucumber dill & smoked salmon salad, pickled shallots
or
Caprese salad tart (tomato, basil & mozzarella) with basil puree & balsamic jelly
Main Courses
Roast sirloin, braised shallots, slow cooked beef shin with horseradish crust, mash potatoes and roasted onion jus
or
Shallot Tart Tatin, wilted spinach, creamy wild mushrooms, buttered baby leeks, soubise
Desserts
Chocolate - Dark chocolate tart, passion fruit sponge, passion fruit cream, honeycomb
or
Strawberries & Cream - Vanilla panna cotta with textures of strawberry
We hosted former and current MP's, local business leaders and charity workers. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves but the band performing on the night stole the show with their multiple costume changes, motown covers and faultless Abba tribute!
