Guide Ethos

"Anyone can put Scottish sirloin on the menu, during the Tourist Board inspection season, but if you want to know the real supporters of Scottish produce, ask me who I supply all the year round"…This was said to me by an excellent Highland butcher and his invitation was the genesis of scottishfoodguide.com.

My aim at scottishfoodguide.com is to highlight the best of food businesses in Scotland and to provide essential contact information, free of charge.

The best of Scotland's food outlets come in all shapes and sizes, unsuited to pigeonholing, while elaborate food grading etc. schemes, too often miss the essence of a place. My approach is to offer well-informed subjectivity and require only that each entry be amongst the best of its kind, show genuine commitment to fresh Scottish produce and offer a level of service appropriate to its style of operation.

Most places are independently owned, many are family businesses and all set high standards in hospitality, hygiene and customer care. Menus may be traditional or contemporary but character and flair usually sets them apart. Attention to detail will be much in evidence including thoughtful anticipation of changing attitudes such as vegetarian, health and non-smoking issues.

The handpicked producers and suppliers are skilled artisans and entrepreneurs. Some are small regional producers, others have worldwide distribution, but all have a commitment to being the best of their kind. Like farmers' markets, farm shops and local food festivals they often work in remote rural communities bringing employment, visitors and, above all, fine food to their regions. A secret too well kept for too long.

Successful marketing of food, whether plated or packaged, web wise or otherwise, is an activity calling for a variety of skills, not least the professional photographer and stylist experienced in this aspect of their crafts. The editorial food photography used to enhance these pages is the work of two of Scotland's leading photographers

Eat well - eat Scottish.

Wendy Barrie
MHCIMA
MREHIS
MinstD
Dip HEc
Email: wendy@wendybarrie.co.uk