Groundbreaking: First Truffle Cultivated on UK Island

A University of Stirling researcher has successfully cultivated a black truffle on the Isle of Bute, where a pioneering truffle science project is being trialled. 

It is thought to be the first cultivated truffle recorded on a UK island, in a breakthrough that could transform land use, tourism, and economic development in rural and coastal areas. 

The find was made by Professor Paul W. Thomas, Honorary Professor at the University of Stirling and founder of Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd, who planted a small hedge of truffle-inoculated hazel trees in his garden five years ago. 

The truffle, weighing 4.45g, was discovered on July 30 after signs of animal activity revealed several specimens breaking the soil surface.

While only one was harvested, larger and riper truffles are expected in the coming weeks, which will be located with the help of trained truffle dog, Rue. 

Professor Thomas said: “This is a landmark moment - not just for science, but for the future of land use in the UK. 

“Truffle farming offers a low-input, resilient crop that could bring real economic opportunities to island and rural communities.  

“With the rise of food tourism, this could just as easily support a boutique agri-tourism industry as it could offer new income for landowners.” 

The truffles were grown using a technique developed over two decades by Professor Thomas, and now in conjunction with Professor Alistair Jump, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. 

Their research, published in 2023, found planting fungi with trees to create protein-rich mushrooms may sequester up to 3.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare annually and produce a nutritious food source for nearly 19 million people per year, when scaled up.

Tree roots form a symbiotic relationship with fungi and the growing process requires no irrigation, fertiliser or chemical treatments.  

The cultivated species, Tuber aestivum, commonly known as the summer or burgundy truffle, is highly prized in gastronomy and can command up to £900 per kilogram. 

Professor Jump said: “This latest discovery supports a growing case for regenerative, sustainable land use, particularly in coastal and island locations traditionally overlooked for high-value cropping.  

“Truffle orchards are long-term, low-maintenance systems that support biodiversity and soil health while offering economic return.” 

Professor Thomas also operates a truffle science research base on Bute, staffed by a team studying truffle ecology and other edible fungi that grow in a similar way – a joint project with the University of Stirling.  

Adjacent to this is a 1,000-tree living lab, planted with truffle-inoculated trees expected to begin fruiting within two to three years.  

The island has already featured in an episode of BBC series The Hairy Bikers, where Professor Thomas introduced the chefs to the science and potential of truffle farming in Scotland. 

This latest discovery comes just months after Professor Thomas published a major study in Scientific Reports, a journal in the Nature portfolio, showing that the behaviour of truffle-hunting dogs and their handlers plays a crucial role in harvest outcomes. 

Professor Thomas added: “This project isn’t just about luxury produce; it’s about sustainable innovation. Scotland’s islands are uniquely placed to benefit from this type of crop. With the right support, truffle cultivation could become part of the rural economy – contributing to jobs, agri-tourism, and climate-smart farming.”