Staff news

Edinburgh First accredited by VisitScotland

The University’s events and catering arm has been recognised for its food and drink services by national tourism organisation, VisitScotland.

VisitScotland accreditation

Edinburgh First – a leading provider for conferences, accommodation, catering and events in the city – has been accepted onto VisitScotland’s ‘Taste our Best’ accreditation scheme.

The award recognises the efforts of businesses that provide locally sourced, quality food and drink.

Accreditation scheme

More than 1,000 businesses across Scotland have been accredited by the scheme as part of an ongoing effort to promote Scotland as a top leisure destination.

VisitScotland annually assesses businesses including bars, hotels, cafés and restaurants on various criteria, including their seasonal menus, use of Scottish produce and staff knowledge of local goods.

Before awarding this prestigious accreditation, businesses have to prove that at least 40 per cent of all their produce comes from local sources in Scotland.

Redesigned menus

Edinburgh First will implement the scheme across its three hotels in the city as well as its bistro menu, which was created last year to those staying at its Pollock Halls estate.

The new food offerings will include Charles MacLeod Stornoway black pudding, Stobbs Farm smoked back bacon, grilled Scottish salmon, Hornigs haggis and borders sausages.

Food and drink is a key part of our country’s heritage, so it’s an honour to be accredited by VisitScotland. This accreditation will demonstrate to our customers that we only use quality ingredients, locally sourced where possible, across all of our meals, which in turn supports an important industry in Scotland.

Ian MacaulayAssistant Director of Catering, Edinburgh First