Fresh from the Boat: How We Source the Best Scottish Seafood for Our Menu
At Crofter’s Kitchen Scourie, we’re passionate about serving the freshest, most sustainable seafood Scotland has to offer. Nestled along the rugged coastline of Scourie, our eatery is proud to showcase the local produce Scotland has in abundance, with every dish telling the story of our relationship with the land and sea.
When you dine with us, you can be confident that the seafood on your plate comes directly from local waters, often within a 30-mile radius of our kitchen. From scallops hand-dived from Handa Island to lobsters and crabs caught in a small bay just outside of Scourie, we know exactly where our seafood comes from, and we’re lucky enough to work with the people who provide it.
1. Hand-Dived Scallops from Handa Island
One of the star ingredients on our menu is our scallops, which come from the pristine waters of Handa Island, just off the coast of Sutherland. Known for its wild, rugged landscapes and abundant marine life, Handa Island is home to some of the best hand-dived scallops in the country.
We source our scallops directly from local divers who carefully harvest them by hand, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. This method not only guarantees the highest quality, most tender scallops but also supports sustainable seafood practices that protect marine ecosystems.
2. Fresh Lobsters and Crabs from Just Outside Scourie
Another highlight of our seafood menu is our lobsters and crabs, which come from a small, secret bay just outside of Scourie. This bay, known only to a select group of local fishermen, is where the freshest, most delicious lobsters and crabs are caught daily. What makes this seafood even more special is that our lobster supplier is our next-door neighbor.
Having such a close relationship with our suppliers means we can ensure that every lobster and crab is freshly caught and brought straight to our kitchen—sometimes on the same day! This personal connection also allows us to be confident in the sustainability and ethical practices of our fishing partners.
3. Sourcing Fresh Seafood Within 30 Miles
At Crofter’s Kitchen, we believe in the importance of supporting local producers and reducing food miles. That's why all of our seafood is sourced from within 30 miles of our restaurant. By sourcing our seafood locally, we can offer our guests the freshest possible dishes while minimising our carbon footprint.
This commitment to sustainable seafood in Scotland not only supports the local fishing community but also ensures that our guests enjoy the best quality seafood that’s as fresh as it gets. Whether you’re enjoying a seafood platter or a classic lobster and chips, you can be sure that everything we serve is locally caught, responsibly sourced, and bursting with flavour.
4. A Personal Connection with Our Suppliers
One of the things that makes Crofter’s Kitchen truly special is our close connection with our suppliers. We know each of our seafood suppliers personally. Whether it’s our lobster fisherman next door, or the team diving for scallops at Handa Island, we have a direct relationship with the people who bring us the seafood we serve.
This personal connection means that we’re not only confident in the quality of the seafood, but we also ensure it’s caught using sustainable, responsible methods that protect the local marine environment. We can trace every piece of seafood on our menu back to its source, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
5. Sustainability at the Heart of Our Menu
At Crofter’s Kitchen, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We choose to work with small-scale, local fishermen who share our commitment to responsible fishing practices. By sourcing sustainable seafood from within 30 miles of our restaurant, we help protect Scotland’s marine ecosystems and ensure that the seafood we serve is harvested in a way that supports the future of the industry.
Whether it’s our hand-dived scallops, our locally caught lobsters, or any of the other fresh seafood on our menu, you can be confident that it has been sourced with care and respect for the environment.
6. Locally Sourced Produce to Complement Our Seafood
In addition to our incredible seafood offerings, we’re committed to showcasing the very best of local produce Scotland. From seasonal vegetables grown on nearby crofts to grass-fed beef and fresh eggs, everything we serve is sourced as locally as possible.
Our menu changes with the seasons, reflecting the best of what’s available from our local suppliers. By working with small-scale farmers and producers, we can offer a truly farm-to-table dining experience that complements our sustainable seafood and provides an authentic taste of the North West Highlands.
7. A Farm-to-Table, Sustainable Dining Experience
At Crofter’s Kitchen, we believe that great food starts with great ingredients. That’s why we’re so passionate about sourcing the best sustainable seafood in Scotland from local waters and combining it with the finest Highland produce. Our menu reflects the flavors of the land and sea, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients that are responsibly sourced.
When you dine with us, you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal—you’re supporting sustainable seafood practices and helping us celebrate the amazing local producers who make it all possible.
Ready to Taste the Freshest Seafood in Scotland?
If you’re looking for fresh seafood near me or the best seafood restaurant on the NC500, make sure to stop by Crofter’s Kitchen in Scourie. From hand-dived scallops from Handa Island to lobsters caught in the bay just outside our door, we’re proud to serve the freshest, most sustainable seafood in the Highlands. Come experience the taste of Scotland’s natural bounty and enjoy a dining experience like no other.