In Spring 2015 Caledonian MacBrayne became the first ferry company to win VisitScotland’s ‘Taste Our Best’ seal of approval to the high seas by offering high quality meals on ferries. All eleven of the company’s Mariners cafeterias on board the larger ships have been awarded this accolade acknowledging the high quality and local provenance of meals available on board CalMac ferries. More than 50 per cent of the Mariners Menu is Scottish, with meals including Barra-landed Haddock, smoked salmon from Argyll Smokery in Dunoon, burgers sourced from meat from around Argyll and the famous CalMac’n’Cheese, made using cheddar from Lockerbie. Lighter bites include cakes from Cobbs Bakery, Loch Ness and freshly made sandwiches from local suppliers as well as locally produced ales, lager and whiskies available onboard. Caledonian MacBrayne uses around 67 suppliers across its cafeterias, coffee shops, bars and on-board shops. Of those, 62 are from Scotland and 44 of those are on the islands – whether it be local papers, tablet, real ale, chocolate or books.
