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Last Updated: Wednesday, 31 October 2007

archived local food news

FVFL at Café Helix
FVFL recently attended the Helix Project partners’ event at ‘Café Helix’ the Falkirk Wheel.  The event was held to inform and involve key organisations and individuals in the Helix Project, an ambitious plan to transform the landscape between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a “thriving environmental community”.

FVFL’s input helped to raise the profile of local food and its links with health, a subject that gained much support throughout the day.  Discussions on food focused on the opportunities for involvement by local people, for example, the establishment of allotments, home-grown food, school food growing projects, and wild food.  All information will be fed into a £25m bid to The Big Lottery Fund to be submitted before the end of May.  For further details on the Helix visit http://www.falkirkonline.net/helix/helix.aspx (and check out the ‘the Kelpies’!). (16 May 2007)
 

Food Sustainability ‘Towards Tomorrow’ 2007
FVFL held a stall at the ‘Towards Tomorrow’ sustainable lifestyle event, organised by the Community Planning Partnership and CVS Clacks at the Cochrane Hall in Alva recently.  ‘Do You Know Where Your Food Comes From?’, was the question asked of visitors to the table, who had an opportunity to play a table-top game to find out about the origins and sustainability of apples from South Africa bought at a supermarket, and strawberries from Briarlands Farm, Blairdrummond, bought directly from the farm.

FVFL is working with the Community Food Development Workers and Forth Environment Link to develop this game about food sustainability issues.  The game is based on the original ‘Food Miles’ game by Eve Keepax at Forth Environment Link, and will be available for loan in due course.(16 May 2007)
 

FVFL Springs into Action at Alloa Community Orchard Spring Fayre
FVFL will be holding a ‘Take-Away Garden’ at the Alloa Community Orchard’s Spring Fayre on Saturday, 26 May from 11.00 am – 4.00 pm in the Walled Garden (Wimpy Park), Pine Grove, Alloa.  The ‘garden’ will provide practical ideas and information for visitors to 'take-away', to inspire them to grow their own food, and make links with locally-grown, seasonal food. (The idea is similar to the 'Eat the Street' temporary allotment project that we ran in Falkirk High Street in September 06).

The small plot will contain elements that will inspire people to grow their own food, together with an adjoining information stall on where to find local food in the local area.  There will be demonstration containers and small raised bed of edible plants (salad leaves and herbs, some supplied by Ian Scott), and a practical seed-planting session, where visitors can plant their own herb or salad seeds in a paper pot to take home.  FVFL is also supporting Scottish Biodiversity Week and will give away wildflower seeds – with thanks to Scottish Natural Heritage – and distribute the Garden for Life’s ‘Garden for Food’ leaflets. 

The Spring Fayre is organised by The Alloa Community Orchard and partners, and will promote environmental issues, community safety, recycling, physical activity, health and wellbeing through workshops, dance demonstrations, beauty therapy, children’s activities, music and food, in a hands on and fun way.  (16 May 2007)
 

The scheme, known as the Helix Project, is a large area (300 hectares) between Falkirk and Grangemouth, that will be transformed into a multi-use development.  However, the allotments will only be developed if there is sufficient support for the idea among the communities of Falkirk and Grangemouth. 

Partners Falkirk Council, British Waterways and Central Scotland Forest Trust have already secured £250,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to develop the project, and will be bidding for £10 - £25m for the implementation phase. (30 Mar 07)
 

We are grateful to Dr McWhirter for his continued support of FVFL over the past few years, and wish him every success in his new post. (30 Mar 07)

Contact: Jane Ireland, Lomond Organics, 0791 619 3992 or email: info@lomondorganics.co.uk, web: www.lomondorganics.co.uk. (29 Mar 07)
 

Calling Local Producers - Be a Healthy Start Supplier!
Suppliers of fresh fruit and vegetables are being invited to sign up for the Healthy Start Scheme run by the Department of Health. 

The scheme helps pregnant women and children under four in low-income families to eat healthily.  People on the scheme receive vouchers which they can exchange for fruit and vegetables, liquid cow’s milk, as well as infant formula milk.  If you sell any of these items, then you can register as a supplier, whatever food outlet you are - and you don’t have to sell them all. 

To take the first steps to register, visit the website at www.healthystart.nhs.uk/en/fe/page.asp?n1=1&n2=9perative and fill in the on-line application form, or call 08707 20 16 68 for a copy of the form.  (29 Mar 07)
 

Gartartan Farm Shop Comes HomeAfter locating their farm shop at Ward Toll Nurseries, the Nicolson family have converted their old dairy and have moved the farm shop back to Gartartan Farm.

The farm shop offers a wide range of meats and other produce, reared on the farm, sourced locally, or British.  Meat boxes are available with a range of quality meats - beef, lamb and mutton, all bred and reared on the farm, free range chickens and duck reared locally, wild venison sourced from McNaughtons of Balquhidder, and pork and bacon from Ramsays of Carluke.  The shop also stocks a large selection of homebaking, homemade pies and ready meals. 

Contact: Rona Nicolson, Gartartan Farm, Gartmore, Stirling, FK8 3RT, Tel:  01877 382633 (day), 01877 382067 (eve), email: info@gartartanfarmshop.co.uk, web: www.gartartanfarmshop.co.uk. (29 Mar 07)
 

Help Needed at Yourlocalfarm
Yourlocalfarm at Balquhatstone Farm, Slamannan, is currently advertising for someone to help with the vegetable growing.  If there are any keen gardeners who would like a challenge, the farm is offering an allotment scheme, where they would prepare the ground and would guarantee to buy the produce at a set price. 

Throughout the year, there are also different meats on offer; beef, lamb, pork, turkey and venison. As with the vegetables, meat is sourced locally as well as being reared at Balquhatstone.  The animals are raised in a free range manner and the farm’s aim is to give them a happy and content life. 

Contact: Ian Scott, Balquhatstone Mains, Slamannan, Falkirk, FK1 3BQ, Tel: 01324 851750, email: mail@yourlocalfarm.co.uk, web: www.yourlocalfarm.co.uk. (29 Mar 07)
 

‘Taylor’-made Farm Shop for Carmuirs
A Taylor & Son of Carmuirs, has now opened a farm shop at the family-run Wester Carmuirs Farm, West Carmuirs Loan, Carmuirs. 

The shop sells a range of vegetables including their own farm-grown potatoes, free-range eggs, home-made tablet and jams, and will be open Wednesday to Fridays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 noon until 4.00 pm.  For further details contact Sheila Taylor on 01324 812459 or email carmuirs@btconnect.com. (29 Mar 07)
 

'Eyes-West' for a new 'Buy Local' visitor map
Keep an eye out this summer for the new Buy Local visitor map which will be available from Tourist Information and Visitor Centres from Easter. The map shows the local food and drink producers, local food eateries and shops selling local food and drink in and around the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.  Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area boasts some of the best local produce in Scotland, ranging from seafood in the west to strawberries in the east.  Visitors come to our area to see and experience our beautiful environment, now they can taste the product of it too!

This is the next phase of the Buy Local initiative which was launched last year with the production of the local food and drink business directory.  Buy Local is supported by Lomond & Rural Stirling LEADER+ Programme, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority, Stirling Council and West Dunbartonshire Council. (Source:Anne-Michelle Ketteridge, Stirling Council). (29 Mar 07)
 

Mr Crawford is on a pre-election fact-finding tour of Small to Medium Size Enterprises, and is looking to see what can be done to make these businesses more effective.   Any issues that arise through the course of these consultations will be fed back into policies and motions in the Parliament.

FVFL Project Officer, Diane Alderdice, said, "The SNP are currently voicing their support of Scottish farmers, so we look forward to discussing with Mr Crawford, the issues surrounding sustainable food production and consumption in Forth Valley.  We have a number of years' experience of working with local producers, and will be keen to share these with him later this month". (1 Feb 07)
 

The shop stocks a delicious range of beer partners and Real Ale products: chutneys, jams, wines, oatcakes and healthy eating bars.  The exclusive Lade Inn beers - Waylade, Ladeback and Ladeout - are a major feature and they are available with their own brand drinking glass, and also by the case for the more enthusiastic customers.

Telephone 01877 330152 for more details, or visit www.theladeinn.com.  Better still, visit the shop! (Source: Frank Park, the Lade Inn) (1 Feb 07)
 

Coalsnaughton Regeneration Group has launched a new Fruit Barra in the village to supply fresh fruit and vegetables to  the local community.  Group members Nan Dougal, Marion Coutts and Jeanette Taylor, with support from Debbie Ross, the NHS Forth Valley Community Food Development Worker, have been the driving force behind the project, a not-for-profit enterprise.

The Fruit Barra, launched on 20 January in Coalsnaughton Village Hall, aims to make a wide-range of fruit and vegetables available at affordable prices to the local community.  It will open from Monday to Friday from 9.30 am - 5.00 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 10.00 am - 1.00 pm. 

The project was warmly welcomed by the local people that attended, and by local Councillor Derek Stewart.  Councillor Stewart said, “It is good to see people in the village supporting this.  People have been queuing up outside to get in.  There are a number of older people here, and they recognise the value of fresh and healthy food.  This is the ethos of the project.  I welcome the project on behalf of the community and hope it is a great success".  He also added, “Is there one planned for Sauchie?!”

One customer said, 'The quality is good, and the prices are comparable to the supermarkets.  It’s not like Tesco’s where you buy more than you need so that a lot goes to waste.  You can buy as much as you need here.  I’m trying to get my kids to put fruit in their piece boxes for school!'. 

Others made the point that the project should help stimulate more interest by younger people in cooking and healthy eating. “It’s a generational thing.  It’s the young ones that should be here with their children”.

Group member Nan Dougal expressed the hope that a cooking group will develop later in the summer to demonstrate what can be made from the fresh ingredients, and to provide support for people in preparing and cooking the produce .  There is also the possibility that the fruit barra willbeing able to accept the Healthy Start vouchers in future.

New volunteers are  welcome to help in selling the produce to customers, and full training will be given.  The group can also offer advice and support for people to prepare and cook the vegetables.

The Tullibody Healthy Living Initiative has also launched a new Tullibody, Cambus & Glenochil Fruit Barra.  As with the Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra, the project will sell a wide range of fruit and vegetables, made-up soup packs, and also provide recipe ideas.  The barra is located at the Tullibody Healthy Living Office, 13 Tron Court, Tullibody.

Coalsnaughton Fruit Barra Launch Top Sellers:

• Bananas
• Apples
• Pears
• Oranges
• Spring cabbage
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potato

(1 Feb 07)
 

In her column in the Stirling Observer (20 January 2007), Dr Jackson has said that she aims to enjoy a healthier lifestyle this year, helped by information on where to shop for local food from FVFL's website.

Our thanks to Sylvia for her support of both FVFL and local food, and we wish her a healthy 2007. (10 Jan 07)
 

Ian & Roanna Scott have launched a new website at www.yourlocalfarm.co.uk and are now taking orders for Christmas.

They will be on holiday during the first week in January and suggest increasing the order for that period.

Order forms are available from mail@yourlocalfarm.co.uk or orders can be made from the website.

There is a range of produce available: Catherine's Country Kitchen jams and chutneys are available as well as

seasonal gift packs (on the website), baskets, hessian bags and hampers ranging from £6 - £25 with festive jars and cakes available.

There is fresh pork available this week, joints, chops, ribs, and sausages.

The bacon and ham joints will be available in about a week; there is also some pheasant.

In your box this week there will be Purple Sprouting Broccoli, as the name suggests it is from the broccoli family.

It is most commonly used in stir fry.  A pasta recipe will be added to the website. Contact 01324 851750.

Ian and Roanna Scott have re-named their business yourlocalfarm. Located at Balquhatstone Mains in Slamannan, they deliver locally-sourced, and where possible, locally-produced fruit and vegetables to customers in Central Scotland. Sign up to one of the box schemes and benefit from FREE delivery. 

The competition was held by Clackmannanshire Council's Hungry for Success Team to target primary schools in the county, and persuade others to eat a healthy breakfast.  The attractive posters conveyed a simple message, and shared information about healthy eating and the importance of taking breakfast.  The posters also encouraged parents and carers to consider the benefits of buying local food for the breakfast items.

The standard of entries was very high. The other Highly Commended entries were from St Mungos, Fishcross, Menstrie, Tillicoultry, Clackmannan primary schools.  The breakfast spread was prepared by the kitchen staff at Lornshill Academy.(1 June 2006)
 

One of the biggest attractions will be the Amaizing Maize Maze which will be open in mid-July, August and September, 9.30 - 5.30pm, last admission 4,30pm (admission charge for Maize Maze and Play Area).

Opening times are daily from June - August 9.30 - 5.30 pm, weekends only September/October 9.30 - 5.30pm Last admission 4.30pm.(1 June 2006)
 

The project will be a temporary street allotment, and will show people that they can grow fruit and vegetables even if they don't have a garden or allotment.  It also supports Friends of the Earth Forth Valley's call for allotments in the Falkirk area.

Volunteers are required to help grow the fruit and vegetables in old pots and containers, and also to help with building and taking down the allotment, and being information guides throughout the week.  To help volunteer please contact us.(1 June 2006)
 

Spuds-We-Like - Potato Day in Dunblane
Way back in October, Dunblane Garden Club had an illustrated talk on ‘The Potato’ given by Alan Romans.  As a result of the enthusiasm and interest kindled by Alan, it was decided to hold a Potato Day on 11 March.  The only other event of this type held in Scotland is down in the Borders so this was a step into the unknown.  To share costs and spread the workload, the event was a joint venture between the Garden Club and Dunblane Allotment Group.

We had great fun when a ton of seed tatties (nearly 50 modern and heritage varieties) arrived at the Cathedral Hall and had to be split up, labelled and displayed.  All went well on the day with tremendous interest from the public, some coming from far and wide in order to track down a rare variety.  After such a success, the Potato Day for 2007 is already being planned, so look out for future announcements. 

Jim Leddy, Dunblane Garden Club (30 March 2006)

Braveheart Falkirk in Good Heart
The second Braveheart Falkirk Healthy Living event took place in Larbert in March.  Braveheart aims to improve the heart health of the local population. 

The main event was a seafood cookery demonstration, and there were other food-related stalls - a local fishmonger, and fruit tastings by ASDA. 

FVFL had a stall with samples of a fresh vegetable box and fruit pack from Slamannan Food Producers’ Co-op, 5 varieties of potato grown at Pleanmill Farm by John Scott (available from his farm), and from Roberton’s Greengrocer in Stenhousemuir. 

 The local food directory, ‘Find it, Eat it’ was distributed, and FVFL’s Manager Alex Fowles talked to people about local produce, where to source it, and its health benefits.  All produce was shared out after the event. (30 March 2006)
 

The Orchard Project is a community project established to regenerate the Alloa Walled Garden, owned for over 600 years by the Earls of Mar, and involves local people and organisations from the area as well as wider Clackmannanshire.  It will consist of a community café, play area, learning centre, adventure course, community workshops and community kitchen.

A detailed plan for the garden has been established, and fundraising for the Phase 1 build will be on-going throughout the spring and summer which will include the community workshops, security office, reception area and multi-use venue. Developing market research for the community café and organising the Late Summer Fayre are also major tasks for the team.  FVFL is hoping to link with the project in this latter event as part of the Forth Valley-wide food festival in September. (8 February 2006)
 

FVFL gave away vegetable soup packs as a special promotion of local producers J & P Scott, of Pleanmill Farm in Airth, who very kindly donated bags of turnips and potatoes for the packs, and A & A Fruits of Sauchieburn who supplied carrots, leeks and onions.

A 'carrot taste test' was held to taste the difference between local and imported carrots.  Of the 19 participants, 16 preferred the taste of the carrot grown in Plean, saying it was sweeter and juicier, whilst 3 preferred the one imported from Italy.  A resounding thumbs-up for local food!

J & P Scott can deliver turnips and 12½ and 25Kg bags of potatoes.  The vegetables are stored without the use of chemical sprays. Pleanmill Farm, Airth, Tel: 01324 831219. 
A & A Fruits can deliver a range of fruit and vegetables within a limited area.  The fruit and vegetables are grown 'as nature intended' without the use of man-made chemicals or pesticides. 2 Blackrow Cottage, Sauchieburn, Stirling, Tel: 01786 818804 Mob: 07748 165732. (12 Dec 06)
 

 McNaughton's also offers a whole range of locally-produced foods this Christmas - beef and lamb produced at Craigend Farm, turkey, venison and game, jams, chutneys, bakery products, local vegetables, tempting cheeses, and beers from Harviestoun Brewery.  Gourmet Christmas hampers can also be made to order.

The McNaughtons believe in rearing their lamb and beef in a caring and compassionate way, and are keen to minimise 'food miles' by providing their own finest cuts of meat, steak pies and sausages.  The farm also has rich and fertile soils, which together with this year's sunshine, has produced a bumper harvest of soft fruits.  These are made into delicious home-made jams and jellies 'just like granny used to make'.

McNaughtons aim to provide "real food for people who love to buy, cook and eat good food".  Pay them a visit at 47 Main Street, Bannockburn, FK7 8LX, Tel: 01786 812040.

Opening hours: Christmas and New Year's Eve 9.00 am - 5.00 pm (yes, they will be there on Sunday!)
Christmas & New Year Holidays: Closed December 25 & 26, and open again on Wednesday 27 December.  Closed 1 & 2 January, and open again on Wednesday 3 January. (28 Nov 06)
 

Catherine's Country Kitchen is at 27 Hillcrest in Bo'ness from Tuesday - Saturday 10.00 am - 4. 00 pm.  On sale are chutneys including a limited edition box containing 2 alcoholic chutneys and an alcoholic jam, bags, baskets, and hampers. (27 Nov 06)

Photo (courtesy of Catherine Neil):  Gavin Bruce from Real Radio and Catherine Neil with the Real Radio’s Hot Stuff chutney which they purchased the naming rights to as part of the ‘Bring a Pound to Work’ Auction, the proceeds of which went to NCH Scotland to help disadvantaged and disabled children in Scotland.
 

The initiative aims to establish standards for school meals across Scotland, improve the take-up through improved presentation, and eliminate any stigma attached to taking school meals.  All secondary schools in Scotland are required to have introduced the Scottish Nutrient Standards for School Lunches by December 2006.  They were introduced into all special and primary schools before December 2004. (27 Nov 06)
 

J & W Aitken, Clackmannanshire
J Patrick & Sons, Camelon
John C Brown, Brightons
R Brown & Son, Stenhousemuir
Thomas Burns & Son, Bo'ness
Thomas Johnston (Butchers), Brightons
The Aberfoyle Butcher, Mayfield, Aberfoyle
The Aberfoyle Butcher, Bannockburn
David McDonald, Drymen
David McDonald, Killearn

(Source: www.food.gov.uk/news/newsarchive/2006/nov/butcherslist) (27 Nov 06)
 

Honey Et Cetera Closes - Callander Loses Quality, Local Food Outlet
Honey and bee-product fans will be sorry to learn that Gavin Millar, owner of the excellent Honey Et Cetera shop in Callander, has decided to close his business.  Gavin was a regular at farmers’ markets in the area.  Gavin said, "I’m sorry to be leaving the scene as I’ve enjoyed it and believe very strongly in the ethos behind FVFL".

We give our thanks and best wishes to Gavin for the future. (14 Nov 06)