Grimsay project studies potential for new dairy in Uists

GRIMSAY Community Association has launched a new initiative for those interested in dairy production and manufacturing.

Called Bringing Back Dairy, it will consist of talks, discussions and workshops from March 8-10.

The association said: ‘The Bringing Back Dairy conference will discuss dairy production and dairy manufacturing with an emphasis on cheese making, with the goal of developing practical plans for small-scale dairy production in the Uists.

‘Speakers will address both the practicalities of raising dairy animals (cows, sheep, goats), cheese production and marketing, environmental impacts and regulation, and bring up-to-date practical information to crofters and others who might be considering going into dairy or cheesemaking.’

The speakers and workshop leaders include:

Kathy Biss, who has run the West Highland Dairy in Wester Ross since 1987 with her husband David, producing a wide range of cow and sheep milk cheeses and is known as an adviser and trainer in cheese production.

Wendy Barrie is founder and director of the Scottish Food Guide and Scottish Cheese Trail, and leader of Slow Food Scotland’s Ark of Taste.

Bosse Dahlgren is a former farmer of heritage breeds and a member of a small cooperative dairy.

Dave Eastwood founded the Isle of Lewis Cheese Company, producing the island’s first artisan cheeses from their own herd of milking goats.

Alasdair MacEachen is a Benbecula crofter involved in lamb and smallscale meat production, with more than 40 years’ experience in the environmental health sector.

On March 8 and 9 Kathy and David will lead a short hands-on cheese-making course.

Bringing Back Dairy will be held in the new centre and kitchen at Ceann na h-Àirigh, Grimsay.

A day of talks and discussions will be held on Saturday March 10 with the speakers and local experts. The conference will run from 10am - 4pm, and include lunch.

Places for both are limited, so contact Matt on 01870 603359 or info@ grimsay.org to book.