Press Information

New Dairy at Daviot Café Keeps Everything Local

Foodies of the Highlands can look forward to sampling delicious culinary delights in an idyllic countryside setting thanks to a new café at the Dairy at Daviot.

The Dairy Café, which opened on 17th September 2009 is located on a converted 19th century farm steading set on the private Daviot Estate, six miles outside of Inverness. The steading, which offers six luxury self catering apartments, is now proud to boast its new addition - a local food café and fabulous wedding and events venue.

Overlooking the original cobbled courtyard and occupying one and a half sides of the steading, The Dairy Café has combined old and new to create a quirky yet rustic eating venue with lots of character and charm. Tables and chairs, sofas and coffee tables are split between the impressive double height Grand Hall and the octagonal timber clad Horse Engine Room.

The Dairy at Daviot is owned by the Mackenzie's, a fourth generation farming family, who have diversified into tourism. The Mackenzie family, who farm sheep and beef and have the largest remaining dairy herd in the Highlands, undertook an extensive 2-year renovation project to transform the derelict farm steading into a smart accommodation and Café development.

Dereck Mackenzie, farmer and co-proprietor of The Dairy at Daviot comments, "Diversifying into tourism and hospitality was a complete step into the unknown for us, but it was either a case of restore the steading or let it fall down. It was a huge undertaking but we are delighted with the finished product and are pleased that in this economic climate we are able to create employment in the community."

Not only were the Mackenzie's keen to keep as much of the Dairy's architectural development as local as they could, using local contractors and local materials wherever possible, but with their background in farming, it was inevitable that the Mackenzie's would wish to see local produce used in the Café.

"the place is stunning and we received a really warm welcome"