The Pentland Hills are a working
landscape. A significant part of the land is utilised by hill
sheep and cattle farming. The way in which the land is managed
primarily for food production, creates the very landscape everyone
has come to enjoy.
Important to many people also, is information about the quality
of the food they purchase as well as the need to be reassured
about the treatment of animals reared for food production.
With the farming community apparently under siege following the near
miss of Foot and Mouth disease, the Pentland Hills Regional Park, took
the initiative to support the farming community within the Park, through
the creation of the Pentland Hills Producers. This development had been
in discussion for some time, but the enthusiasm of half a dozen farmers
with the support of the Regional Park turned the idea into the first
Park branding initiatives in Scotland.
Having farmed the hills for generations, using traditional farming methods,
Pentland Hills Producers understand that what they practise is best
for their farms, their animals and their customers. Being local, their
animals are not shipped across the country, but available close to home.
To be a member of the Pentland Hills Producers, and to carry the initiatives
brand, farmers set themselves high standards of land management (with
public access inherent in their philosophy), animal husbandry, butchery,
traceability and hanging of meat. All Producers operate within the Pentland
Hills Regional Park and respect the conservation of the land, whilst
enabling people to enjoy responsibly the wildness the hills have to
offer. They produce pretty excellent lamb and beef too!
Now Pentland Hills Produce is a permanent fixture at Farmers markets
throughout the Lothians as well as an annual Harvest event in the Regional
Park.
They have achieved "food hero" status through a recommendation
by Rick Stein and you can find their excellent lamb and beef on
local restaurant plates.
Check out their website to order
direct and as the Pentland Hills Producers themselves say
"We are always happy
to answer any questions you may have about any aspect of the our
food production. We provide a local quality product, locally made
by local people for local people!
We have pride and passion for what we produce. We believe in local
markets, because we believe in our local customers. We believe
in quality and flavour and we believe in working together, farmers
and the general public."
Useful Links:
Pentland
Hills producers website
Farmers
market website
Rick
Stein website
