02 July 2007, 15:01 PM
  • A new food map of the Scottish Highlands has been produced by a group of consumers, community farmers, crofters, groups and retailers to promote local produce.

Created by the Highlands & Islands Local Food Network (HILFN), the new map is designed to encourage the public to buy local food and support the region’s agricultural industry.

The map, which is available online, includes an open invitation for people to visit listed farms in the Highlands during September and October to learn more about local food production and Scotland’s year of highland culture.

A total of 27 producers have signed up to the scheme and sites that are opening to the public include a croft that grows vegetables, organic retailers, a market garden and a salmon farm.

Jo Hunt, HILFN network leader, said, “We needed to find a way to help people to find food that is locally grown in their area. The Highland Food Map is an innovative guide to encourage people to get out and about and, more importantly, to get tasting.”

Launched in August 2005, the HILFN is a collection of local organisations and individuals that aim to boost availability of fresh, locally-grown food for Scottish communities.