'Game On' for Scotland's First Venison Festival

ABERDEEN, Scotland, August 26, 2010 - This autumn lovers of game are in for the ultimate gastro treat at the
Royal Deeside Larder Venison Festival. This new six-day celebration of
venison takes place from 26th to 31st October 2010 across Royal Deeside
including Balmoral Estate, Banchory, Ballater and Aboyne. A Venison Pie
[pictured] complete with antlers in the style of a Desperate Dan 'cow pie'
was created for the launch.

Local producers, hotels, restaurants and country estates in Royal Deeside
& The Cairngorms have created a mouth-watering programme of venison themed
activities. A feast of venison inspired menus will be offered - from smoked
venison sandwiches, sausages, broths and burgers to venison haggis and even
venison vindaloo!

Amateur cooks will pick up some top tips on how to cook venison to
perfection at a series of cookery demonstrations followed by lunch or dinner.

But the Venison Festival isn't just about eating - there are a number of
wildlife safaris being organised by the Glen Tanar, Finzean and Balmoral
estates which promise visitors insight into land management. These wildlife
safaris in 4 x 4s include ranger talks and trips onto the estates with hearty
breakfasts and lunches to keep visitors going while on the move.

Garry Marsden, Chairman of the Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms
DMO says, "We know that visitors to Royal Deeside & the Cairngorms enjoy
authentic, local food when they holiday - and there can be no finer example
of this than the game that roams our estates. This event offers first-timers
and venison connoisseurs alike the opportunity to taste the very finest
Scottish venison in some unusual settings. They'll also get a fascinating
insight into the important role that venison plays in Royal Deeside's Larder.

"Previously, venison has been seen as a meat only for the
elite, but we want to show that it can be enjoyed by everyone."

Events include:

Venison Cookery demonstrations and lunches at Banchory Lodge Hotel;
The Milton Restaurant; Glenkindie Arms; Loch Kinord Hotel

Wildlife Safaris at Balmoral, Glen Tanat and Finzean Estates

Family Ceilidh and BBQ with spit roast at Woodend Barn, Banchory

To find out what's on during the Venison Festival log onto
www.discoverroyaldeeside.com/Venison-Festival/

The Venison Festival is supported by the Scottish Government and the
European Community Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER programme (2007-2013) with
Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.

Note to Editors:

A picture accompanying this release is available through the PA
Photowire. It can be downloaded from www.pa-mediapoint.press.net or
viewed at www.mediapoint.press.net or www.prnewswire.co.uk.

For further information contact: Beverley Tricker btricker at trickerpr.com, Telephone +44(0)1224-646491, Mobile +44(0)7702-363039