Scottish Caravans & Motorhomes

Spotlighton…
The
Isleof
Arran
Garry Fraser experiences
the spectacular sights
and magnificent flavours
of ‘Scotland in miniature’
It’s hard to know where to start with the
charms of Arran, the ‘sleeping warrior’ becalmed
in the Firth of Clyde between Ayr and Kintyre.
But food and drink is always a good choice.
With producers throughout Scotland facing
stiff competition nationally and internationally,
many are finding it
makes sense to collaborate
to spread the cost
of sales, marketing and
distribution. For almost
15 years, A Taste of
Arran has flown the flag
for the island, with great
success. It means local
produce can be found in
restaurants and retailers
across the country. While
the brand itself wins
awards, ards, most importantly
it attracts success to the
individual producers among its ranks.
The driving force behind the whole
enterprise is Alastair Dobson of Arran Dairies,
who looks after producers that now range from
a smokehouse to a distillery, with makers of
cheese, oatcakes and chocolate adding diversity
to the operation.
TheTasteofArranbrandpromoteslocalquality
Collaboration on this scale doesn’t happen
overnight. At the beginning, ‘it was a case of
getting everyone round a table and discussing
the pros and cons of a food and drink cooperative,’
recalls Alistair. ‘While there were many
pros, there were also a few cons to overcome.
‘For instance,
we had three inde-
pendent local cheese
manufacturers who
always believed that
they were competitive,
not complementary,
and we had to persuade
them of a common
need. Now we can
market their cheeses
as part of the Taste
of Arran brand, so all
three benefit.
‘There’s a strong
community feel on the island, which did help
bring folk together. It was hard work, but well
worth the effort!
‘We’re also contributing to the tourist
scene – we sell Arran first, and then the food
and drink. We can work off the passion that
our members show for their produce, and the
pictures Garry Fraser (riGht); courtesy oF the producers
Clockwise from above: No
prizes for guessing how
the Old Man of Tarsuinn –
found near the summit of
Beinn Tarsuinn, a Corbett
in the north of the island –
got its name; James of
Arran’s Chocolate Factory
shop, in Brodick, makes
its delicious chocolates on
site; producers also include
brewers and distillers
36
Scottish Caravans & Motorhomes winter 2017
www.scottishcaravansandmotorhomes.co.uk