Alison Morrison’s Mince & Tatties

Last weekend saw the village of Aith, on the west side of Shetland, host the annual Aith Regatta in combination with the Shetland Yoal Racing Association races. This event is usually held on the second weekend in July.

Despite the weather, plenty of folk turned out to watch the yachts race 10 miles around the voe and to cheer on the rowers in their yoals. The atmosphere was charged with the excitement of racers shouting words of encouragement to their teammates on the boats.

You can find the results of the races on the Bigton Rowing Club website.

West side resident Nick McCaffrey filmed and edited a video of the highlights of the Saturday afternoon, which was followed by a superb disco in the local hall that evening. Nick also edited a rowing races only video, for those who may be interested.

Back in the Aith hall, however, a team of volunteers was busy preparing a hearty lunch for the sailors and volunteers at the Regatta for the afternoon break in between races.

Local resident John Anderson donated 25 lbs of his home grown beef mince to the event, and volunteer Alison Morrison made her own version of mince and tatties to feed the hungry sailors.

When you’ve been out on the water for several hours nothing beats a steaming hot plate of comforting mince and tatties.

How do you make yours? Do you have any tips to share?