By Rebecca Gray FOOD writer and cycling gourmet Nell Nelson is back in the saddle - and heading to the East Renfrewshire Food Festival.

The nine-day celebration of Scottish food and drink kicks off this weekend and features a feast of flamboyant food experts, including top Scottish chef John Quigley as well as Nell, who starred in the Woman Who Ate Scotland TV show.

There are events across East Renfrewshire including a food market, country craft demonstrations, cookery workshops, kids' food factory zones, and whisky demonstrations.

Both John and Nell are to host masterclasses, including a Cooks, Canapes and Cocktails Night, on 17 September, in Eastwood Theatre.

Top chefs will also be on hand to demonstrate how to cook on a budget and how to help the war on food waste.

The festival will culminate with a free afternoon food festival in Eastwood Park on Sunday 20 September.

The area's Economic development convener Councillor Tony Buchanan said: "The events will give a real taste of local produce, boost business for local hotels and restaurants, and put East Renfrewshire on the map as a place of really good taste."

He added: "We hope our festival programme will have not only locals licking their lips in anticipation but that it will attract food lovers from outwith East Renfrewshire as well."

For more information and full events listings contact the East Renfrewshire Food Festival on 0141 577 3001 or visit www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk/dayvisitor