Whitmuir the Organic Place becomes first restaurant in Scotland to achieve gold Catering Mark for fresh and healthy meals

04 August 2011

Whitmuir the Organic Place achieves prestigious gold Food for Life Catering Mark for serving fresh and healthy meals with organic ingredients.

The Catering Mark is a unique scheme open to all types of restaurants and caterers, providing recognition for those who serve fresh food that is free from controversial additives and better for animal welfare. The gold Catering Mark recognises restaurants which use a wide range of organic ingredients and source at least half of their produce from the local area.

Situated on the Scottish borders, Whitmuir The Organic Place is a certified organic working farm, with its own restaurant, shop and butchery - and a bakery in the pipeline. It is committed to fresh, local and organic food, with many of the items on the menu and in the shop direct from the farm itself. The fish is locally and sustainably caught and all other ingredients are organic. At least 50% of their ingredients are sourced from within Scotland.

More and more, people want to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. The Food for Life Catering Mark offers a guarantee that fresh food you can trust is always on the menu. The bronze, silver and gold tiers offer businesses a step-by-step route to serving more freshly prepared, locally produced, seasonal and organic food.

Commenting on the award, Heather Anderson from Whitmuir The Organic Place says:
“We’re delighted that our commitment to serving fresh, local and organic food has been recognised by the gold Food for Life Catering Mark. Our customers already know the food here tastes great – but with the gold Catering Mark they now also have a guarantee that what they’re eating is fresh and made with the best ingredients. Importantly, it also means that by eating here, customers can be sure that they are supporting local Scottish producers and a system of farming that works with nature and has the highest standards of animal welfare.”

Celebrating Whitmuir's achievement, Rob Sexton, Chief Executive of Soil Association Certification, said:
"Gaining the gold Catering Mark is a fantastic achievement so it’s brilliant to see Whitmuir the Organic Place getting the recognition they deserve for serving fresh meals made with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Offering a menu that meets Catering Mark standards can significantly reduce carbon emissions and support local businesses so this is a win-win for planet-friendly food and the local economy.”