Celebrate Scotland’s superb artisan cheeses this Burns Night
Not so very long ago, traditional farmhouse cheeses were on the decline, all across Britain. Indeed, by the 1970s it looked like in Scotland they had all but died out. Recent years, however, have seen an upsurge in interest in locally produced food. Coupled with the need for farmers to diversify in order to continue to exist, this has prompted a plethora of new cheese-makers to spring up all over Scotland. From old classics to new cheeses here are some of the essential cheeses to grace your Burns Night supper:
Caboc. The traditional Scottish cheese, where butter is acidified, then rolled in oats. The history of this cheese stems back to the 15th century, and it is still made to this
day by several Scottish producers, including Highland Fine Cheeses and Connage Dairy.
Anster. In 2008, Jane Stewart decided to start making cheese on her own family farm in Fife. Learning from some of Britain’s top cheese-maker’s she went onto develop two cheeses: Anster, a fresh and zesty Cheshire-style, and St Andrew’s Cheddar – a powerful tangy 12-month-old Cheddar made from unpasteurised milk.
Morangie Brie. Rhuriadh Stone of Highland Fine Cheeses makes a range of brilliant cheeses, including his famous Strathdon blue. But seek out his Morangie Brie – it’s pungent and soft, and makes a welcome addition to any cheese-board.
Lanark Blue. Humphrey Errington was at the forefront of Scotland’s artisan cheese revival, and his original and greatest creation is Lanark Blue – a blue cheese made using his sheep’s rich unpasteurised milk, it is Roquefort in style and not for the faint hearted.
Corra Linn. Humphrey’s daughter, Selina, has now taken over the family farm, and her latest addition, Corra Linn is fast becoming a favourite. Based on a Manchego recipe, this hard sheep’s milk cheese is aged for 8-months and is sweet and nutty, with toasty rich notes.
Read more about the revival of Scotttish Farmhouse Cheese here.
The Courtyard Dairy has put together a unique Scottish cheese selection box, featuring the brilliant Anster, St Andrew’s Cheddar, Morangie Brie and Lanark Blue, all for just £27.95; click here for more details. Or have a look at the Scottish cheeses available from The Courtyard Dairy online here.