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Taste of Arran has secured a funding package this week, which will see plans for a joint production and tourism centre being developed within the next two years.
The company plans to build a facility where tourists can watch as many of the island’s famous products are produced and also learn more about the food from Arran.
Managing director of Taste of Arran, Alastair Dobson said: ‘Transparent production practices are a key element of our engagement with the tourism industry. Our companies have such pride in their products that visitors are commonly able to view production areas or tour facilities to witness the manufacturing process. This is something we will fully develop in any new facility.’
Taste of Arran recognises the value of tourism to the Arran brand and has worked closely with tourism operators to develop the island as an important UK destination.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise will support the tourism centre by providing a feasibility study to the tune of £30,000 while North Ayrshire Council will contribute a total of £77,000 to the project.
This funding announcement follows an outline of the Scottish Government’s national food policy detailed by Richard Lochhead, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs.
He was briefed on the Taste of Arran’s proposals when he visited the island recently.
He said: ‘We want the freshest, finest future for Scottish food- supporting food production and manufacturing in Scotland is in our national interest.
‘The high-quality produce available through Taste of Arran, from award winning cheeses and oatcakes to smoked fish and fresh vegetables and the sustainable way in which it is produced, is indicative of our vision for Scottish food.
‘Taste of Arran is a highly innovative collaborative business which has built a strong brand and national customer base from an island location, contributing greatly to the local rural economy.’
Taste of Arran is the well-known sales, marketing and distribution company for 11 independent food and drink producers based on the island.
‘Our company is committed to sustaining the island’s agriculture, community and environment, and has ambitious plans for growth which will lead the way for rural development in Scotland,’ said Maureen McKenna, Taste of Arran’s development manager.
