The Majestic Line, an exclusive Scottish cruise company, is making a name for itself, not just for the warmth of its highland hospitality but for the quality of the locally-sourced, sustainable food served on board.
Date:
Fri, 01 Jul 2011
Source:
The Majestic Line
Its two beautifully restored wooden vessels, the Glen Massan and the Glen Tarsan, have been transporting guests along the dramatic coastlines of Argyll and the Inner Hebrides for over seven years.
Yet it is the quality dining experience offered by The Majestic Line which keeps guests returning – over half of this year’s holidaymakers have been on a Majestic Line cruise before, citing the "exquisite" food as a deciding factor for their return.
Marie Thoms, sales manager, explains: "Our guests are looking to experience the best Scotland has to offer and for many that means quality food which is locally sourced and cooked to perfection.
"Argyll has a particularly rich larder for seafood with its pristine waters and long coastlines, as well as rich farmland producing some of Scotland’s finest meat, game, fruit and vegetables."
Having Scotland’s luscious larder within arms' reach certainly has its benefits. Guests on board dine together, helping to create a convivial dinner party atmosphere. Marie added: "It is a real delight for me to see how once-strangers are often so reluctant to say goodbye to new-found friends at the end of the trip.
"Good food and drink certainly helps the bonding process."
This week holidaymakers will be tucking into Loch Fyne kippers fried in butter with thyme-scented tomato for breakfast; lunch is lobster and monkfish bisque with finger sandwiches; and for dinner, it's smoked Argyll prawns and mussels salad, roast fillet of Argyll estate venison with spring onion champ, creamed sweetheart cabbage and pears with game gravy; and new season strawberry tart with Chantilly cream and Glayva-soaked berries followed by Scottish farmhouse cheeses.
And if all that sounds like an over-indulgence, the skipper will assist by giving guests the chance to walk off the additional calories and work up an appetite for the next meal by dropping anchor and allowing them to explore Scottish islands and inlets by foot.
New for autumn this year, The Majestic Line has launched a one-off cruise called Taste of Autumn in Argyll – a three-night culinary experience in October featuring seasonal Argyll produce, including venison from the hill, free-range pork and beef as well as seasonal fruit and vegetables, complemented by locally-produced cheeses, smoked fish and shellfish.
Guests will get to experience Scotland in stunning autumn colours, see its abundant wildlife in their natural habitat and taste Scotland – the land of food and drink – at its most plentiful.
Find out more about The Majestic Line.
Looking to source quality Scottish, seasonal produce? Use Scotland Food & Drink's Buyers' Guide.
Want to supply foodservice and fine-dining establishments? You'll find free information and guidance in Scotland Food & Drink's 'How Do I...' Guides.