More than 100 of the UK’s top artisan cheesemakers, retailers and wholesalers gathered at Loch Arthur Camphill Community in Beeswing.
It was only the second time in its 30 year history that the UK Specialist Cheesemakers Association has held its annual farm visit at a Scottish venue.
And it brought Scotland’s largest cheeseboard to Loch Arthur.
Barry Graham of Loch Arthur and a committee member of the SCA said it proved to be “a wonderful platform for the ever increasing group of Scottish Artisan Cheesemakers to interact with their peers and colleagues and showcase their diverse products.”
The event was months in preparation and included talks, technical presentations and discussions, tours around Loch Arthur, the Creamery and dairy farm and visits to Rainton Farm’s new Ethical Dairy project.
Mr Graham said it was “worth every minute” of the months of planning: “There was a fantastic turnout and delegates were blown away by the beauty of the location, the diversity of Scottish cheeses being produced, the fullness and complexity of the weekend programme and, of course, the weather.
“Many delegates also expressed their amazement at the standards and professionalism of production at Loch Arthur alongside the provision of meaningful work opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.”
He added: “We were extremely proud to be able to host this event on behalf of all of Scotland’s artisan cheesemakers.
