A SMALL town in Dumfries & Galloway has declared itself the Chilli Capital of Scotland after the popularity of a local club gathered heat.
More than 1000 chilli plants – usually associated with hot countries – are currently being grown by the people of Langholm and the town’s first ever Chilli Festival is taking place today.
As well as prizes for the biggest, longest and weirdest chilli, there will also be a free tasting session, chilli plants on show and a chilli eating contest. More than 20 local businesses in the town have their chilli plants on display and around 350 out of 910 households are already growing their own, cultivating more than 50 different international varieties.
By declaring the town the Chilli Capital of Scotland, the Langholm Chilli Club is hoping to attract visitors, with the development of a new Chilli Trail and a regular Chilli Fest.
This year alone, more than 3500 chilli seeds have been planted and the 53 varieties include what is deemed to be the hottest chilli in the world, the Carolina Reaper.
Langholm Chilli Club also has around 60 people waiting to receive seeds and members across the world including Canada, US and Portugal.
The club’s spokesperson, Mark Hodgson, said the idea had started as a joke during the winter but had quickly captured the imagination of residents.
“It really is a community effort to raise the profile of the town,” he said. “By developing the Chilli Trail, we hope to get people to stop, explore and engage in what really is a unique community. I can’t believe all this has happened within the space of a year.”
VisitScotland regional leadership director, Paula Ward, praised the town’s efforts to raise their profile.
“The story of the Langholm Chilli Club really does paint a picture of a town with a strong and unique community spirit,” she said.
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