It is said that Barbara Gilmour brought back from Ireland a recipe for making cheese. Instead of using skimmed milk, a full cream cows milk was used and the cheese was pressed. This improved both the keeping qualities and the flavour.
Large stones were used to press the cheeses and there is such a stone press at The Hill Farm to this day.
It is by the pioneering work of Barbara Gilmour in teaching the art and techniques of "sweet-cream" cheesemaking that most farms in the West of Scotland and beyond made Dunlop Cheese.
The cheese was sold throughout the country and was as well-known as Cheddar, Cheshire or Wensleydale.
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Come and find out about our fascinating history of cheese making and how it is made. Some stages in the process of cheese making, like ripening and texture development, take a while. It is unlikely that you would see the whole process during your visit, so we soon will have a very interesting video showing the cheese being made. You will be able to watch this while you enjoy the great food which is served up in the tearoom. |
You can choose from a variety quality teas or coffees with delicious home baking. For lunches you can choose from homemade soup, toasties, paninis and of course the ever popular Ploughman's lunch served with a selection of our unique and delicious cheeses. (eat them while you watch them being made!). If you like what you tasted, it is all for sale in the shop. A selection of cheese samples is usually on offer so you can try before you buy. |
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To go with the cheeses we have lots of lovely oatcakes and crispbreads. Quince paste - not quite so local (it came from Spain!) but tastes delicious with cheese. Other foods on offer are locally made ice cream: jams and chutneys: our own fresh eggs (duck, hen, or goose)
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The craft corner has lots of interesting gifts - all made locally - you will find something different.
Outside : Enjoy the countryside. Many people who visit go for a walk up the wee road past the farm : see the cows grazing: lean over the old bridge and look out for the wild life. Look for: squirrels, deer, owls(at night), Many birds such as heron, buzzard, maybe hear a peeweet or sky lark and loads of our nesting house martins and swallows.
If the weather is fine, sit out in the woodland field across the road. This new woodland is being established with a wild flower meadow. Watch as it develops over the next few years. Let's hope for good weather to enjoy this.
COWS |
GOATS |
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SHOP & TEAROOM |
BUY CHEESE |
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