Historic Scottish smoked trout producer RR. Spink & Sons is to celebrate its 300th anniversary this year, and has announced Michelin starred chef Mark Sergeant as its ambassador for 2015.

Founded in 1715, RR. Spink & Sons is among the UK's oldest food producers and the holder of a Royal Warrant as Fishmonger to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The craftsmanship of yesteryear is upheld by RR. Spink & Sons who still prepare each fish by hand.  Freedom Foods endorses the high welfare standards under which the trout are ethically farmed.

RR. Spink & Sons marks the 300-year anniversary by launching a limited edition of 300 smoked trout fillets, retailing at £300 each from a luxury food and drink retailer, due to be announced in the coming months. 

RR. Spink & Sons is also embarking on a new partnership with Michelin Starred seafood chef - Mark Sargeant - who will become an ambassador for smoked trout.

Throughout the year, Sargeant is set to devise a series of delicious and easy-to-prepare RR. Spink & Sons recipes to encourage consumers and restaurants to discover and enjoy smoked trout. 

Sargeant said: "Smoked trout is a bit of a dark horse, often overshadowed by its big cousin, the smoked salmon.

"What few people know is that smoked trout has a more delicate flavour and texture than salmon; making it a really versatile ingredient that can bring a dish together rather than steal the limelight.

"In this landmark 300th year, RR. Spink & Sons is in a unique position to champion delicious smoked trout. Come and join us for the celebration!"

A limited edition anniversary product has also been created by RR. Spink & Sons Resident Chef, Scott Fraser.

Drawing inspiration from the 300-mile journey between Loch Etive - where the trout is farmed - and Arbroath - RR. Spink & Sons' ancestral home - the unique recipe takes in native woodlands, whisky distilleries, fruit farms and marmalade producers found along the route.

RR. Spink & Sons Chairman - Alastair Salvesen CBE - shared his excitement for the anniversary year:

"2015 is an incredibly exciting year for RR. Spink & Sons.

"This is an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the current and past generations, and a chance to encourage more people to discover and enjoy smoked trout.

"Whilst people are traditionally more familiar with Scottish Smoked Salmon, our ethically farmed Smoked Trout is more than a match and is delicious and packed full of healthy benefits."

Read Scott Spink's trout recipe blog for HeraldScotland here.