“It could be said that the Hairy Bikers was born in the north-east of Scotland,” Si King tells me, and I can’t help but smile.

The celebrity chef is reflecting on treasured memories in our part of the world that he shared with his dear friend Dave Myers, who sadly died in February this year at the age of 66.

Dave and Si found fame together as the Hairy Bikers, and quickly bonded over a shared passion of motorbikes.

The duo won the hearts of the nation through the decades with their irresistible enthusiasm, easy-going approach to cookery, and inspirational use of ingredients from around the globe.

Having spent the most part of 15 years living in Huntly, Dave adored the north-east and its food and drink scene – and was very open about it.

In an interview with the Press and Journal in 2019, he said his heart belonged here.

As I caught up with Si, who is one of the headline chefs at this year’s highly-anticipated Taste of Grampian, it was undeniable that he too cherishes our beautiful slice of Scotland.

Where in the north-east does Hairy Biker Si King have his treasured memories with Dave?

It has been three decades since Si first graced the north-east to pay Dave a visit in… you guessed it, Huntly.

“I rode up on a slightly dodgy motorcycle,” he recalls.

“We went to places like Portessie, Elgin, Findlater Castle, Peterhead and Inverurie.

“Keith and Dufftown weren’t too far away and nor was the Glenfiddich Distillery, so there were a few sore heads on those occasions.

“We also loved going up to Sandend and Buckie. We used to buy our wet fish from Eat Mair Fish, Buckie.”

In usual fashion for the Hairy Biker, Si immersed himself in the local food and drink scene.

He associates seafood, whisky, craft beer and, of course, the rowie/buttery with the region above all.

Si added: “I may be stating the obvious, but goodness me they’re worth celebrating and shouting about!

“The whole area has come a long way since I first visited. There seems to be a recognition of the quality produce of the area and a celebration in bringing it to the marketplace.

“One mustn’t forget that the character of an area is defined by its people, its landscapes and its produce, all of which the north-east has in beautiful abundance.

“The light and skies in that part of the world are so good for your soul.

“It will always always have a very special place in my heart.”

How would you describe a buttery? Si’s take trumps the lot

When I asked celebrity chef, author and TV personality Nadiya Hussain MBE for her take on north-east delicacy, the humble buttery, I realised I’d introduced her to a whole new world.

Nadiya, who is also headlining Taste of Grampian 2024, had never heard of the salty pastry prior.

Si, on the other hand, is all too familiar with the savoury treat, which is also referred to as a rowie.

He said: “I do remember vividly the first time I had a buttery.

“I remember thinking it was like a croissant that would kick your head in and relished the opportunity to have it warm, smeared with even more butter and with a scraping of marmite on it – what’s not to love?”

Marmite on a buttery? I’ll need to give that a try.

Taste of Grampian: what to expect from Hairy Biker, Si King

Moving on to future endeavours – and butteries aside – Si is thrilled about making his return to the north-east’s favourite indoor foodie experience, Taste of Grampian.

It is taking place on Saturday, June 1 at P&J Live near Dyce.

He last appeared at the 21st edition in 2022, headlining alongside James Martin.

Nadiya will be a familiar face for Si, as he went on to tell me the pair are “old friends”.

“I’m very much looking forward to catching up with her,” he adds.

“She’s a talented, creative woman and we always have a laugh when we see each other.”

The Hairy Biker has a fun-filled day ahead, hosting two cooking demonstrations, two book signings, and running a Q&A session on the main stage.

Both cooking demonstrations will take place upstairs in the atrium area at noon and 2pm.

The first is focusing on a recipe for beef and kidney bean fessenan, while the second is a pork steaks with grapes and mustard recipe.

Acclaimed chef looks forward to ‘having a giggle’ with eventgoers and celebrating the region once again

“It [Taste of Grampian] is a massive celebration of the region filled with like-minded people with innovative ideas to highlight their region’s identity, character, produce and warmth,” Si said.

“The main highlights on an occasion like Taste of Grampian is always the people for me – having the chance to walk round and have a craic on and a bit of a laugh and a giggle with everybody.

“Then, if that wasn’t enough, the food and drink is nothing short of epic!”

If he gets the chance before, during or after the event, I asked what he’d like to tuck into most.

“Well, I’m always keen to try a dram (but that goes without saying),” he replied.

“As well as the smoked salmon and the innovative smoking techniques that come from this part of the world.

“The meat producers in this region are equally pioneering so I’m really looking forward to seeing how creative they’ve been since I was last there. There’s also a great culture of kitchen gardens which never ceases to surprise me.”

Finally, I asked Si how things have been since the tragic death of Dave.

He said: “It’s been a very difficult time for everyone who knew and loved Dave and it’s a great loss to everyone who was close to him.”

Ticket information

The title sponsor for this year’s Taste of Grampian is Marks and Spencer.

Early bird tickets for admission are on sale on Ticketmaster, priced at £12.50 (plus a £1 booking fee) and children under 12 go free.

Parking in the underground car park on-site at P&J Live is also free.

Si King’s demonstrations are £20 (plus a £1.50 booking fee).