Food and Drink outlets across the Cairngorms National Park feature on a brand new guide for lovers of good local food. Local delicacies such as beef, soups, fruits, cheeses and baking are available at premises where staff care passionately about the food they serve and its local origin.

Four food trails wind their way across the UK’s largest National Park, each listing businesses who have been measured against a set of criteria asking them about their approach to serving and promoting local food. The initiative is part of a wider plan to build the reputation of the area as not only a place of outstanding beauty but one where the quality of the food matches the stunning scenery.

Steve Anderson of Andersons Boat of Garten said: “We are committed to using local Scottish produce when it is in season so our menu changes each month.”

Richard Cox owner of the Loch Kinnord Hotel, Dinnet said: “ We are passionate about food and use local seasonal produce wherever we can and our chef regularly visits local farms and estates.”

Cairngorms National Park Authority Board Member Katrina Farquhar added: “This is a fantastic park-wide initiative which highlights how important food and drink is to the economy.  Local businesses require all the support we can provide in these difficult times and this leaflet will help raise awareness of the excellent food and drink premises in the National Park.”

Visitors will have their taste buds tickled on a fold out map of the Cairngorms National Park showing the trails and there is also an interactive map on the web at www.visitcairngorms.com/foodtrails.

The initiative was commissioned by the CNPA and managed by the Cairngorms Business Partnership and is one of the first elements of a  wide range of work towards 2015-Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink.