Susan Welsh, The Press and Journal and Mary Cowie, Captain's Galley

Jim and Mary Cowie, owners of the Captain’s Galley in Scrabster, opened their business in 2002 with a clearly defined ambition – excellent service combined with top-quality local produce.  The accolades and awards gathering on their window sill are proof that their formula for success works well for this Caithness restaurant.

Heidi Irvine, Really Garlicky Company and June McAuliffe, Falls of Shin Restaurant and Gift Shop

The Really Garlicky Company owners Gilli and Glen Allingham say ‘Its chic to reek’ – and they should know as they look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary of their company next year. Gilli and Glen launched their first garlic products at the Nairn Show in 2000, following two years of crop trials on their Nairnshire farm. With support from the Scottish Agricultural College encouraging diversification, Gilli and Glen were able to explore the best type of garlic for the local climate and soil, and to source initial seed samples.  From a small planting of just one and a half acres in the first year, the crop now covers around 30 acres of their ground.

Hazel Gordon of FINDS with Michelle Stevens, the Storehouse.

The Storehouse, a farm shop and restaurant set on the shores of the Cromarty Firth near Dingwall, was established a little over four years ago. Having set up the business with two friends, Quintin Stevens then met his wife Michelle and they now own the business between them, having bought out the other partners when Michelle returned to the area after a period in London’s finance sector.

Tracy Waters and Danny Miller, North Highland Products and Derek Marshall, Williamson Foodservice (centre)

Winner of the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Excellence Award in 2007 was North Highlands Products/Mey Selections of Caithness.

The formation of North Highland Products and the creation of the Mey Selections brand were direct results of the North Highlands Initiative inspired by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay. Launched in August 2005 to boost the economy of the region, the initiative aimed to foster closer connections between farmers, fine food producers, and consumers in the area. As well as support from HRH Prince Charles, the project received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and SERAD (Scottish Executive Rural Affairs Dept).

Bob and Lynn Henshelwood with June McAuliffe, Falls of Shin Restaurant and Gift Shop

Bob and Lynn Henshelwood began creating their own pickles, chutneys, mustards and jams on a commercial scale at the beginning of 2006. Their business is dedicated to providing fine foods for independent retailers using the best available seasonal ingredients and with the minimum possible food miles. And all their products are preserved using natural ingredients, spiced and flavoured to their own unique recipes. 

Today Bogbain Adventure and Heritage Farm is an interesting and entertaining day out for visitors of all ages, offering activities with appeal across the generations. When Bruce Macgregor started his enterprise in 2004, however, the number of activities was more limited, as was the food and retail service provided alongside. As the business grew, it became clear that expanding the range of activities on offer would also serve to cater for the needs of parents and grandparents accompanying their young charges on a visit to this interactive adventure farm.

Alex MacInnes, Aquascot with Eileen and Cameron Clark, Connage Highland Dairy.

Hamish Clark started dairy farming at Milton of Connage at Ardesier 55 years ago. Although he has now retired, his sons Cameron and Callum took over the family farm and and together with their respective wives, Jill and Eileen, have built the business Connage Highland Dairy. Originally this small family firm ran an organic dairy, solely selling milk. The Clarks also own a flock of breeding ewes and grow their own organic carrots and potatoes on their land. The family sought to diversify their business and consider how they could add value to the milk they were already producing. The four partners undertook extensive research and feasibility studies, which led to the establishment of their cheese manufacturing business.