TRUFFLES have been successfully cultivated on an island in Argyll and Bute which scientists believe is a UK first.
A researcher from the University of Stirling successfully cultivated a black truffle in Bute which experts say is a breakthrough that could transform land use, tourism, and economic development in rural and coastal areas across the country.
Stirling University professor, Paul W. Thomas, made the discovery at the pioneering science project on the island after he planted a small hedge of truffle-inoculated hazel trees in his garden five years ago.
Thomas discovered the truffle, weighing 4.45g, on July 30 after he spotted signs of animal activity which revealed several of the fungus breaking through the soil surface.
“This is a landmark moment - not just for science, but for the future of land use in the UK,” Professor Thomas said.
“Truffle farming offers a low-input, resilient crop that could bring real economic opportunities to island and rural communities.
“With the rise of food tourism, this could just as easily support a boutique agri-tourism industry as it could offer new income for landowners.”
Although only one truffle was harvested, larger and riper truffles are expected in the coming weeks, Thomas explained.
He added he plans on locating them with the help of a trained truffle dog, Rue.
The truffles were grown using a technique developed over two decades by Thomas and now in conjunction with Professor Alistair Jump, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
The pair found that planting fungi with trees to create protein-rich mushrooms may sequester up to 3.5 tonnes of carbon per hectare annually and produce a food source for nearly 19 million people per year, when scaled up.
Their research, published in 2023, showed that tree roots form a “symbiotic relationship” with fungi and the growing process requires no irrigation, fertiliser or chemical treatments.
The cultivated species, Tuber aestivum, commonly known as the summer or burgundy truffle, is highly prized in gastronomy and can command up to £900 per kilogram.
Professor Jump said: “This latest discovery supports a growing case for regenerative, sustainable land use, particularly in coastal and island locations traditionally overlooked for high-value cropping.
“Truffle orchards are long-term, low-maintenance systems that support biodiversity and soil health while offering economic return.”
Professor Thomas also operates a truffle science research base in Bute, staffed by a team studying truffle ecology and other edible fungi that grow in a similar way.
Adjacent to this is a 1000-tree living lab, planted with truffle-inoculated trees expected to begin fruiting within two to three years.
The island has already featured in an episode of BBC series The Hairy Bikers, where Professor Thomas introduced the chefs to the science and potential of truffle farming in Scotland.
Professor Thomas added: “This project isn’t just about luxury produce; it’s about sustainable innovation.
“Scotland’s islands are uniquely placed to benefit from this type of crop. With the right support, truffle cultivation could become part of the rural economy – contributing to jobs, agri-tourism, and climate-smart farming.”
