The Highland Good Food Partnership has unveiled a new Local Producers Food and Drink Trail Map for Inverness and Loch Ness, aiming to spotlight the remarkable array of food and drink offerings in the region. This initiative, developed in partnership with Visit Inverness Loch Ness and supported by Scotland Food and Drink funding, seeks to celebrate and promote the diverse culinary culture of the Highlands.

The trail prominently features well-known local producers such as Black Isle Brewery, Inverness Coffee Roasting Co, and Connage Highland Dairy, offering both residents and visitors an accessible guide to sourcing high-quality, locally made products. Brenna Anderson, project officer at the Highland Good Food Partnership, emphasised the broader significance of the project, noting that “buying locally not only supports our communities but also helps create a more sustainable and resilient food system.” The map is available online, designed to help users browse producers, plan visits, and find local products with ease.

Beyond the map, the Highland Good Food Partnership is actively fostering connections between producers and buyers through complementary initiatives. One such effort is the 'Meet the Producers' tour, organised in collaboration with Visit Inverness Loch Ness and supported by Scotland Food and Drink’s 'Showcasing Scotland Local' programme. This event offers local buyers and retailers the chance to visit producers around Inverness and Loch Ness, including Daviot Steading, Loch Ness Honey, and Balnain Blueberries, showcasing the quality and sustainability of Highland ingredients while building vital business links.

Further supporting the local food economy, the Highland Food and Drink Trail along Ness Walk provides a vibrant, weekly street food experience. Featuring popup vendors from across the Highlands, the trail brings fresh, local flavours to a picturesque urban setting by the River Ness. This initiative aligns with efforts to encourage new food and drink businesses and revitalise Inverness town centre while celebrating Scotland's rich culinary heritage.

Sustainability is a recurring theme in these efforts. For example, luxury establishments like Ness Walk hotel focus on sourcing food with low environmental impact, growing their own herbs and collaborating with nearby farms to ensure freshness and reduce food miles. These practices underscore a regional commitment to environmentally responsible dining that complements the promotion of local producers.

In all, these interconnected projects by the Highland Good Food Partnership and its partners not only elevate the profile of Highland food and drink but also nurture sustainable economic development and strengthen community bonds through shared culinary experiences.