UHI Orkney Brings Scottish Food Heritage to Life at John O’Groats Mill

As part of the Rural Education in the North research project, Ali Hepburn, Curriculum Leader, and Ingrid Groat, Lecturer, both at UHI Orkney, brought local heritage to life in an inspiring ‘Bannock Workshop’ at John O’Groats Mill on Saturday 10th October.

The ‘Bannock’ session marked 150 years of tourism in John O’Groats and invited participants to explore traditional foods and preparation methods passed down through generations. Rooted in the distinctive culture, agriculture, and traditions of the North of Scotland, UHI Orkney delivered this hands-on workshop, led by Chef Lecturer Ingrid Groat. It explored how traditional food practices can strengthen connections to culture, place and community.

Visitors to the Mill learned to make butter, cheese and traditional bere bannocks while exploring the value of heirloom skills and the importance of sharing knowledge across generations. Alongside the practical skills of bannock-making, attendees also developed a deeper understanding of how local landscapes, agriculture, food and cultural traditions shape our sense of place and identity.

The Rural Education in the North research project is part of a broader UArctic network project on teacher education across the North Atlantic. It aims to develop eight research case studies on community engagement in education. The programme at UHI Orkney gives the community opportunities to reconnect with traditional foods in Orkney and Scotland’s far north.

UHI Orkney Lecturer Ingrid Groat at the Bannock Workshop

Ali Hepburn said, ”We are delighted that UHI Orkney is part of this exciting and innovative research project involving teachers across the North from Alaska to Finland. The Rural Education in the North project gives us the opportunity to provide exciting local events such as the John O’Groats 150 celebrations and re-introduce both local people and visitors to the variety of traditional foods created in Orkney over the centuries."

Commenting on the event itself, Ingrid Groat said, “The workshop was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together through food and hands-on learning. By making butter, cheese and traditional bere bannocks, participants could connect with the heritage of Orkney and Caithness while sharing skills and stories that we hope will be passed on to future generations.”

Drawing on research from the UArctic Network for Education on Rural Education in the North, the workshop demonstrated the potential of place-based learning and learning through participation. Through hands-on activities, shared knowledge and conversation, participants discovered how traditional foods and heritage skills can preserve cultural identity, champion local knowledge and forge powerful connections across generations. Celebrating the rich food heritage of Orkney and Caithness, the session highlighted the vital importance of sustaining these traditions and passing them on to future generations.

The University of the Arctic (UArctic) is a network of universities, colleges, research institutes, and other organisations concerned with education and research in and about the North. UArctic builds and strengthens collective resources and infrastructures that enable member institutions to better serve their constituents and their regions.

Through cooperation in education, research, and outreach, we enhance human capacity in the North, promote viable communities and sustainable economies, and forge global partnerships. Created through the Arctic Council, UArctic is committed to upholding its principles of sustainable development and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

If you are interested in enrolling on a course or following research with UHI Orkney, please do not hesitate to contact us through our website or email info@orkney.ac.uk