As part of our commitment to minimising the environmental impact of our cruises, we aim to serve produce that has low food miles. Our Chefs love to make use of the excellent local produce available and here are some of the suppliers in Argyll and the Isles they use:
Jacksons Butcher
Traditional butchers since 1932 who specialise in the finest Scottish lamb, beef, pork, and poultry. Alister, the current owner, is the third generation of Jacksons to run the business and is always a great help to our chefs when placing orders.
D Watt & Son
Officially Oban’s oldest family business situated on the Railway Pier. Carol offers a great selection of local fish and shellfish, including Salmon, Crab, Mussels, Langoustines, Trout, Haddock, Cod and much more.
J M Breckinridge
Another family-run business to the Argyll area that delivers all over the West Coast of Scotland. It is one of the most established suppliers of fresh fruit and veg in Scotland. Yet another great service, which delivers to our vessels.
Go Naked Veg
Local to Oban, the shop sells fresh fruit and veg plus organic products aiming to reduce plastic waste – they cut out all unnecessary packaging and bags.
Millstone Wholefoods
A health food shop central to Oban which started in 1985. They offer an extensive selection of organic produce, vitamins, fresh baking, and are well-stocked with supplements. A great shop to browse when looking for products to serve our Vegan guests.
Alba’s Kitchen Garden
An intimate, well-stocked delicatessen local to Oban, supplying lovely produce with a wonderful cheese selection - our Chefs always enjoy browsing the cheese counter!
Taste of Argyll
Taste of Argyll offers lots of local produce under one roof, packed with local meats, cheeses, preserves, coffee, chocolates, and more.
Inverlussa Mussel Farm
A real treat for our guests is going ashore at Loch Spelve to collect some freshly harvested mussels for the Chef to cook that day. The farm has been voted the best mussel producer in Scotland on numerous occasions.
Skipper Rob
A speciality of Hebrides Cruises is hand-dived scallops, often provided by Skipper Rob. He has many secret spots where he likes to find Scallops, only ever taking as much as he needs for guests aboard. The Skipper and Wildlife Guide join guests at mealtimes, to catch up on the latest adventures and plan the following day’s activities.
Fairtrade Argyll
Oban became a Fairtrade Town back in 2006. It is a simple way that each local business can make a difference through everyday choices. Whether it be better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair term of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. We aim to serve some Fairtrade products aboard our vessels, for example, coffee and chocolate.
Please see below a link to Oban’s Fairtrade Directory, giving some extra information, listing shops and cafes that serve or stock Fairtrade items.
I have long wanted to visit the Scottish Isles. A friend of mine recommended Hebrides Cruises and, since my husband gets seasick just looking at the ocean, I decided to travel alone. How fortunate, then, to have both delightful fellow guests and the most delightful of crews imaginable. The boat herself, the Elizabeth G, proved to be staunchly seaworthy and decidedly comfortable. AND she came equipped with a simply marvelous chef, Sarah, who fed us like royalty. Thank goodness for the daily walks that enabled us to eat most of what she presented. I think we saw every seabird in the book, my favorite -- no surprise here -- the adorable puffins who are much smaller in real life than I had imagined. We also saw numerous minke whales and porpoises, as well as eagles and red deer at a distance. Loved the ruined nunnery on Iona. Very atmospheric. Was awed by Fingles Cave and enchanted by the beauty of the isles themselves. With deep thanks to ALL the crew and to Hebrides Cruises which is both warm and highly professional.
Jennifer Tomkins: 22 April 2023Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles