Food

Orkney has always been well supplied with good bakeries, at one time there were four in Stromness alone. Unfortunately, Stockans shop is long gone and their jammy cookies are just a distant memory but the company amalgamated with the Kirkwall bakery firm of Gardens in 1986. Stockan and Gardens still produce Stockan's famous oatcakes and other delicious sweet and savoury biscuits. They are so popular with our customers that we offer them by the box as well as the packet.

For those of you who have discovered the delights of Orkney biscuits and oatcakes and want to lay in a supply, we are offering whole boxes. This offers a saving per packet and means you can always be sure of having biscuits in the cupboard when visitors call or hunger strikes.

When thousands of servicemen were based in Orkney during World War II many farmers built up dairy herds to supply milk to the troops. As an admirably sensible way of coping with the surplus after the war, a cheese factory was opened in 1946.

In 1957 the Claymore Creamery opened on Deerness Road in Kirkwall and produced award-winning butter and cheese for many years. Butter is no longer made in Orkney but a new factory on the Hatston Industrial Estate still produces prize-winning cheddar

Orkney Fudge used to be made in the ex-Commercial Hotel in the centre of Stromness. As you walked up the Kirk Road the smell of fudge cooking was almost enough to give you a sugar rush. It's still made in Stromness but now it's in a purpose-built factory at the North End.

These pots of fishy goodness have a shelf-life of 3-4 months so you can lay in a supply. They're not only good for you, they're absolutely delicious.

A hamper of Orkney food makes the perfect gift for an Orcadian exile or someone who just likes good food. Alternatively, you can just indulge yourself and your guests.

Orkney farmers have exported world-class meat since the introduction of a regular steamer service in the 19th century. Now a parcel of beef, pork or lamb can be delivered right to your door.

All the animals come from just a few farms in Orkney and all are grass-reared.

For generations, Orkney housewives have made jams and chutneys and now Glynis Leslie on Shapinsay is using the traditional methods to produce this wonderful range of old and new flavours.