SCOTLAND'S FIRST SHORTBREAD VISITOR ATTRACTION OPENS

One of Scotland's most successful food businesses has taken a step in a new direction by opening the nation's first visitor attraction dedicated to our national biscuit.

The foundations were laid for Huntly-based Deans more than three decades ago when Helen Dean baked shortbread in the family kitchen to raise funds for the pipe band her husband Bill was drum major in for many years.

The visitor centre, which was officially opened on 14 th November 2007, sits in the heart of castle country and on the edge of the malt whisky trail so there is no shortage of things to see and do in the area making the trip extra worthwhile. Incorporated in the visitor centre is a viewing gallery where visitors can experience a little ‘history in the baking' and see for themselves the shortbread being made. Also included is a fully licensed café/bistro serving a delicious selection of home made food ranging from snacks and home bakes to hot meals. Finally, visitors can round of their visit in the gift shop, which stocks a full selection of Dean's products and a variety of other souvenirs and mementos.

Helen's son Bill Dean, the managing director, said: “There are more and more people visiting Scotland and the north-east and many of them are looking for places to come on a day trip or somewhere to stop along the way”.

“Ask anyone to come up with words describing Scotland and you'll hear whisky, tartan and shortbread. There are already visitor centres dedicated to whisky and tartan but we are the first to put shortbread on the map like this. Who knows - maybe shortbread could soon be up there along with the whisky and castle trails.”

“We produce our shortbread 24-hours a day and visitors will get the chance to find about its history, our company history and see how our national biscuit is made. More importantly, the café/bistro will then give them the chance to sample it, without having to wait.''

Food tourism is a growing sector and there is increasing demand from visitors for high-quality, niche products local to the area they are visiting.

Groups and coach parties are all welcome and to ensure optimum service pre-booking is advised. To arrange a booking please contact Lesley Cruickshank on 01466 792086.

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