Hebrides Cruises launches Hebridean Taste Tales, a new food tourism initiative championing west coast producers

Hebrides Cruises, Scotland’s leading small-ship cruising operator, has launched a new initiative, Hebridean Taste Tales, to bring the flavours and stories of producers from across the Hebrides and west coast of Scotland directly to guests, deepening their appreciation of the region’s world-renowned produce.

Findings from the most recent VisitScotland Visitor Survey 2023 showed that nearly a fifth (19%) of long-haul visitors now cite food and drink as a reason for choosing Scotland as a destination. In response, this season, Hebrides Cruises guests will receive a Hebridean Taste Tales take-home gift: a curated selection of food and drink products from the region, accompanied by information from the producers themselves, bringing to life the connection between provenance and place.

The Oban-based company, which was named Food Tourism Business of the Year at the most recent Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, has launched the initiative to coincide with the start of this year’s cruising season.

The first brands to join Hebridean Taste Tales this season each bring their own distinctive sense of place, provenance and craftsmanship, reflecting the character and culture of Scotland’s islands and west coast.

They include Orsay Sea Salt, a small family-run producer on Islay that creates pure, filtered Hebridean sea salt, harvested from the waters around the Island of Orsay; Nc’nean, an independent organic distillery on the Morvern peninsula known for its trailblazing approach to sustainable whisky-making; Islay Cocoa, handcrafted chocolate created in Laphroaig; Isle of Mull Coffee Roasters, which hand-roasts ethically sourced coffee on the island; Island Bakery in Tobermory, an organic biscuit maker powered by local renewable energy; and Lismore-based Slàinte Sauces, which produces alcohol-infused savoury and dessert sauces.

Further Hebridean and west coast producers and collaborators will be introduced throughout the April to October sailing season, allowing the initiative to evolve in line with seasonality, availability and new partnerships.

More than 50% of Hebrides Cruises guests return. As part of the Hebridean Taste Tales experience, returning guests will also receive a copy of the Café Cùil cookbook. Inspired by the wild landscapes of the Isle of Skye, the cookbook features 85 recipes from award-winning head chef and founder Clare Coghill, who said:

“Being part of the food scene on Skye is something I’m hugely proud of. What we have here is truly special, from the produce to the people behind it. Initiatives like Hebridean Taste Tales feel important because they celebrate not just the food, but the stories and places that shape it.”

Emma Fairbairns, Director and Shore Manager at Hebrides Cruises, said:

“Food and provenance are at the heart of our cruises, and Hebridean Taste Tales allows us to extend that experience beyond the dining table and shine a light on the remarkable producers across the region. This is about supporting their work and putting the Hebrides firmly on the map as a food destination, showcasing not only the very best of what we have to offer but the history, heritage and culture of the Hebrides.”

“Hebridean Taste Tales is also about building long-term relationships with island and west coast producers and sharing their stories with guests who join our cruises from all over the world. Scotland’s food and drink is an essential part of its tourism offering, with visitors increasingly looking to experience a much deeper connection to our destination and enjoy a truly authentic taste of place.”

Hebrides Cruises operates 17 cruises throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and St Kilda, where guests dine on hand-dived scallops, often with owner and skipper Rob diving for the catch of the day, fresh langoustines prepared within hours of landing, Highland venison, artisan cheeses and seasonal west coast produce. A highlight of the Hebrides Cruises calendar is the ‘In Search of Seafood’ itinerary, a four-night culinary adventure departing from Oban.

Further findings from the VisitScotland Visitor Survey 2023 showed that almost half of visitors (46%) took part in at least one food and drink activity, in addition to eating out, during their trip the year prior.

Experiencing locally produced food and drink was important to visitors, particularly those from the USA (51%), Scotland’s largest international visitor market.

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said:

“This is exactly the kind of initiative that helps our regional producers thrive. By placing local food and drink front and centre of the guest experience, Hebrides Cruises is creating a meaningful platform for producers across the Hebrides and west coast to tell their stories and reach new audiences. For our regional food sector, visibility and connection matter. When producers are celebrated and their provenance is shared authentically, it builds lasting value not just for their businesses, but for Scotland’s reputation as a world-class food nation.”

Image Credit: James Fairbairns - Skipper Hebrides Cruises