A NUMBER of food related events in Glasgow and Paisley have been given cash by VisitScotland.

Tourism bosses have decided 2015 is the Year of Food and Drink in a bid to celebrate Scotland's natural larder and the role food and drink plays in shaping the country's economic success.

The Glasgow Mela in June has been awarded £5000 and VisitScotland has given £10,000 to the Glasgow Science Festival event From Creel to Meal also in June.

This year the Mela, which celebrates the traditions and customs of the Indian sub-continent, will have a new area dedicated to food and drink.

And the Science Festival will explore the themes of the future of food and sustainable shores.

It's Tasty Science offering will take in field trips, pop-up restaurants, microbrewery events, special family days and educational activities.

Hampden Park, which has also received £10,000, will put a special emphasis on its food and drink offering when hosting the semi-final in April and final ties in May of the William Hill Scottish Cup competition.

The money allows the venue to introduce new catering focusing on food which is local, sustainable and offers a healthy choice.

Paisley's Beer and Food Festival in April also gets £10,000 from the tourism agency.

The Year of Food and Drink, which is led by VisitScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, aims to increase and promote Scottish produce across the tourism sector and enhance the country's global reputation as a land of food and drink.

Recent figures revealed Scotland's food and drink tourism industry is worth an estimated £2.5million per day to the economy.

Glasgow councillor Soriya Siddique, who is chairwoman of the Glasgow Mela organising committee, said: "The Glasgow Mela is always a celebration of the many cultures that can be found in Glasgow.

"A huge variety of food from across the world will be on offer at the festival this year, not only adding to our celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Glasgow Mela but further showcasing the diversity of Scotland's culinary culture in the Year of Food and Drink."

Richard Lochhead, Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Food, said: "The Year of Food and Drink is a brilliant opportunity to build on Homecoming 2014 and inspire the people of Scotland and our visitors to celebrate the exceptional food and drink we produce the length and breadth of our country.

"The programme will offer a unique taste of Scotland and I am delighted all funded events are being encouraged to increase their use of locally sourced produce by signing up to the Food Charter.

"This will help to enhance our reputation as a land of food and drink and achieve my vision of Scotland becoming a Good Food Nation."