Caledonian MacBrayne has become the first ferry company to take Visit Scotland’s ‘Taste Our Best’ seal of approval to the high seas. Seven of the company’s on-board Mariners restaurants – including MVs Finlaggan and Hebridean Isles, the ferries which usually ply the Islay routes – have been awarded this accolade.

More than 50 per cent of the Mariners Menu is Scottish, offering the likes of Barra-landed Haddock, smoked salmon from Argyll Smokery in Dunoon, along with burgers sourced from meat from around Argyll and the famous CalMac’n’Cheese, made using cheddar from Lockerbie. And locally produced ales, lager and whiskies can also be found on board.

"We have worked hard to put together a menu which not only satisfies our hungry customers, but which is value for money and promotes good Scottish produce,” said Retail Operations Manager Kurt Hart. “Many of our suppliers are from the islands we serve – items like Stornoway black pudding, Islay ales, whisky and tablet, and Barra-landed haddock – putting us, once more, at the heart of these island communities; we are glad to both support these local businesses, as well as promote their goods to our customers.” Continue reading....

Visit Scotland’s Taste Our Best accreditation ensures that the customer will eat quality ingredients of Scottish provenance and the freshest seasonal produce. It guarantees that at least 40% of the Scottish produce will be highlighted on the menu and staff will be well informed about the origins of each meal on your plate.

2015 is the Year of Food and Drink – a 12 month celebration of Scotland’s outstanding natural larder and unique dining experiences. Food and drink is an integral part of Scotland’s cultural identity and heritage with unrivalled produce, whether its fresh seafood from the coasts and estuaries to raising a glass to the world-famous whisky distilleries.

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