Cheese makers launch Scottish group

A selection of Scotland’s cheese makers gathered at the Huntingtower Hotel in Perthshire, UK to launch and celebrate the formation of their group, the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland, which currently represents around 33 of the country’s best cheese makers.

The group aims to represent the cheese makers of Scotland to raise the profile and standing of the Scottish cheeseboard in Scotland, the UK and to export markets.

It has recently been awarded funding by the Community Food Fund. This money will be used to hold two industry specific workshops for the members of the group to enhance their business development through innovation and communication. The group is supported by SAOS via Think Local and works closely with the Dairy Growth Board.

Next stages for the group include learning journeys for further networking and knowledge transfer, working with academia on product innovation, and improving routes to market for Scottish cheese makers.

Jane Stewart of the St Andrews Farmhouse Cheese Company, chair of the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland, says, “The Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland aims to strengthen existing and develop new markets for quality Scottish cheese both in the UK and abroad. We will achieve this through collaborative learning, marketing and innovation, helping to further enhance Scotland’s global reputation for amazing produce.”

Anna Robertson from SAOS, adds, “SAOS is delighted to have worked with the cheese makers to help form the organisation and financial support from the Community Food Fund has been particularly helpful. The group are at a very exciting stage with a number of new initiatives and showcase events. Given the quality of the products and the enthusiasm of the cheese makers, I think for the Fine Cheesemakers of Scotland, it is very much watch this space.”