Food

South West Scotland is famous for its rolling hills, mild climate and excellent growing conditions, so it will come as no surprise that agriculture is the main industry. This has resulted in an ever growing market of quality food that is produced locally. Both organic and traditional farming methods are practiced in the area and if you are eating “out” or eating “in” it's more than likely your food was produced just round the corner.

Ideal grazing conditions for both sheep and cattle has ensured that most towns have at least one independent butcher dealing directly with local farms, selling locally produced beef and lamb. There are also a number of pig farmers in the area, ensuring an abundant supply of hams and bacon. Castle Douglas, designated a Food Town, is famous for its small local food shops and is a great place to find quality cuts of meat.

Good grazing is the result of good grass and this in turn helps to produce good milk. Dairy products from this part of South West Scotland are shipped round the world and include cheeses, yoghurt and butter: The Caledonian Cheese company has a large plant based in Stranraer; Loch Arthur Community near Dumfries produce a range of cheeses and yoghurts from their organic dairy herd, as well as growing fruit and vegetables, and baking bread; Cairnsmore sheep milk cheeses are made near Sorbie; and award-winning ice cream is produced in the area at the Cream O Galloway Dairy Company near Gatehouse of Fleet.

Seasonal vegetables are also produced locally and include potatoes, carrots, cabbage and turnips, which can be found in village stores and greengrocers, along with the many fruits that are grown in the area such as strawberries and raspberries.

To complete this never ending supply of quality produce, it will come as no surprise that a region with so much coastline and such beautiful rivers also has an abundant supply of fresh fish. From the sea there is almost every kind of seafood, ranging from the simple mackerel to large lobsters, in the rivers there is a plentiful supply of salmon and trout. As well as the many local fishmongers shops, there is also a fish van that can be found all over the region during the week in towns such as Newton Stewart and Kirkcudbright.