Prince Charles tours food and drink producers

Prince Charles will visit the Glenmorangie distillery. Picture: Getty

Charles will drop in on a cheese-making company and a distillery in Tain, Ross-shire.

The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, will visit Highland Fine Cheeses to meet owner Ruaraidh Stone and the staff working there.

He will watch the cheese being made and is expected to taste a selection of the artisan firm’s products which include Highland soft cheese, farmhouse cheddar and blue and brie styles.

Over the last few decades, around 30 Caithness dairy farms are said to have gone out of business, partly due to milk prices and their distance from the main supply hubs.

The North Highland Initiative, established in 2005 by the Prince, spearheaded a scheme to create demand for the only two remaining dairy farms in Caithness. In the last couple of years, Highland Fine Cheeses has taken on the direct supply of milk from the two farms.

The company distributes across the UK and exports to Australia, the US, Dubai and parts of Europe.

The Prince will later visit Glenmorangie distillery where he will tour its mash house, still house, maturation warehouse and visitor shop. He will also meet staff and unveil a plaque to mark his visit.

The distillery’s product, Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is said to be distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, and is matured in oak casks.