The Strathearn Cheese Company has a striking new trophy in its cabinet after lifting a brand new honour at Perth Show, commissioned by Binn Group.
Binn Group sponsored the Perthshire On A Plate Best Product Award, which was presented for the first time at the recent food festival at Perth Show.
The unique work was made by talented artist Susie Johnston – Binn Group’s Artist In Residence. Susie has already crafted outstanding installation and ornamental works using discarded pieces of metal retrieved from the company’s recycling plant. And for this new and exciting commission she would create a trophy from discarded cutlery, an off cut of a pipe, a bolt, a washer and a nut – all held together with some little welds.
“Allan MacGregor approached me to ask if he could commission me to make a trophy for best food and drink stand for 2019 Perth Show,” explained Susie.
“The brief, was of course, that it had to be made from discarded metal found or left at the company’s Shore Road complex.
“I rummaged through the cutlery and found that there was a set which was quite pliable due to the softness of the metal,” added Susie.
“I decided to create a representation of a sphere – or a globe – out of the cutlery. This involved clamping and bending it and then creating a form where I threaded the ends of the cutlery through a bolt and tightened with a nut.
“Stevie from Binn Group worked with me and then we used a couple of very small welds to attach to the discarded metal pipe.”
An unearthed little silver butter knife has become integral to the work and will eventually have the name of the recipient of the award engraved into it.
“It just shows what can be done with discarded items,” said Susie. “The cutlery becomes a trophy – just a little playfulness and imagination goes a long way. Congratulations to the winner and I hope they enjoy it.”
Binn Group Chief Executive Allan MacGregor was delighted with the trophy and the opportunity to recognise and reward Perthshire’s food and drink producers.
“There are so many exceptional small businesses throughout Perthshire contributing to the food and drink industry in Scotland,” he said. “Many of these outstanding products find their way to plates throughout Scotland and beyond and the sponsoring of a trophy for the best produce at the popular Perthshire On A Plate food festival at Perth Show is a great way to recognise the vital role these businesses play in the local economy.
“Susie has crafted an amazing unique trophy which I’m sure will be appreciated and hotly contested in years to come.”
Allan MacGregor and owners of the Strathearn Cheese Co. Pierre Leger of the Strathearn Cheese Company accepts his award from judges Allan MacGregor and TV celebrity chef Phil Vickery