Finalists Announced for Scotland Food & Drink Bookable Food and Drink Experiences Programme

The programme, designed to help Scottish producers make their experiences more easily discoverable and bookable for both international and domestic tourists, has been oversubscribed, attracting far more than the 50 businesses initially sought and reflecting the growing awareness among Scotland's food and drink businesses of the crucial role tourism plays in their future growth and success.

Participants will benefit from tailored workshops and expert-led training that will help them capitalise on Scotland’s booming tourism sector, which continues to thrive as both a domestic and international destination.

A diverse group of 50 businesses have been selected for the first round of training, ranging from Mull Coffee Roastery and Arbikie Distillery to local favourites like Buffalo Farm. Each of these businesses will participate in a series of workshops, networking events, and one-on-one mentoring aimed at refining their tourist offerings and making them more accessible.

Led by Scotland Food & Drink on behalf of the food tourism leadership group, which includes VisitScotland, the Scottish Government, and the Scottish Tourism Alliance, the programme builds on insights from the national tourism organisation’s Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, which revealed that nearly half (46%) of visitors engage in food and drink activities during their stay, with nearly a fifth (19%) of long-haul travellers specifically choosing Scotland for its culinary offerings.

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, commented:
“We are absolutely thrilled with the overwhelming response from businesses across Scotland. The level of interest truly highlights how integral food and drink tourism is to the future of our local businesses.

“This programme is designed to provide them with the tools, training, and confidence to enhance their offerings, reach new audiences, and help build Scotland’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food and drink lovers.”

Speaking on the value of the programme, Sally Swinbanks from Tobermory Fish, added: “This is an invaluable opportunity for us to not only develop our offerings but also to connect with like-minded businesses and share ideas.

“As Scotland continues to grow as a tourism hotspot, both domestically and internationally, it’s crucial that we understand how to tailor our services to meet the needs and expectations of visitors, particularly in the food and drink sector.”

For more information, please visit https://foodanddrink.scot/helping-business/services/growth/scotlands-bookable-food-and-drink-experiences-programme/  

Finalists:

1. Allanton Inn
2. Arbikie Distillery
3. Arran Brew
4. Ballintaggart
5. Balmoral Game Ltd
6. Beinn an Tuirc Distillers Ltd
7. Bowhouse
8. Caledonian Oyster Co Ltd
9. Chiya & Chai
10. Clanfin Native Breeds
11. Cleikum Social Eating
12. Courses for Cooks
13. Dark Sky Spirits Ltd (The Moffat Distillery)
14. Eat Walk Tours Ltd
15. Elchies Estates Ltd
16. Errington Cheese Ltd
17. Galloway Farmhouse Cheese
18. Gin Bothy
19. Glen Caladh Tea
20. Highland Boundary Ltd.
21. Holyrood Distillery
22. Isle of Bute Smokehouse/Bute Yard
23. Isle of Mull Coffee Roastery Ltd
24. J. Gow Rum
25. Jeanie Rae's Ltd
26. Lindores Stay
27. Megginch Castle Tours
28. Mharsanta / Lomond Leisure Group
29. NB Distillery/Company of Dark Spirits Ltd
30. NTS Gladstone's Land
31. Oak Tree Inn
32. Once Upon a Whisky
33. Oor Bees
34. Pillars of Hercules
35. Rosehearty Rhubarb
36. RAER Scotch Whisky Limited
37. Rox Madeira
38. Scottish Tea House
39. Spes Bona Sea Safaris/Spes Bona Superior Seafood
40. Summerhall Distillery
41. Swirl Sip Socialise Limited
42. Taste Buds of Scotland
43. The Buffalo Farm Produce Ltd
44. The Little Foragers Kitchen
45. The Original Cake Fridge & Tearoom
46. The Perth Distillery Co
47. The Tobermory Fish Company
48. The wee Scottish cider company
49. Westerton Farm
50. Wilsons Farm and Kitchen