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About us:

Highly rated on TripAdvisor, Google and Social Media, OakHill Café & Deli are situated on the grounds of Historic Scotland’s Carsluith Castle.  We aim to deliver a great experience to all our visitors, whether you come in for a short stop or to dine for breakfast, lunch, cakes or treats you’ll always be met with warm welcome.  We are friendly, approachable and want to ensure you have a suberb visit.

As an owner, operated business, we pride ourselves on using high quality produce both in the Café & Deli.  Have a look at our Deli page to see the brands that we use.

About the area:

We are situated within Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere (GSAB).  The Core Area of any UNESCO Biosphere is the region of highest conservation value – in the case of Galloway and Southern Ayrshire, these are the wetlands at Silver Flowe and the National Nature Reserve (NNR) at Cairnsmore of Fleet.  Silver Flowe is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a wetland habitat of international importance. Cairnsmore of Fleet is an upland region where a mix of heath, heather and blanket bog supports a wide range of wildlife.

UNESCO Biospheres work in local, national and worldwide partnerships to support and promote conservation, education, climate resilience, nature-friendly enterprise and sustainable development.  Here in southwest Scotland the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere is part of the multi award-winning Scotland’s UNESCO Trail, and has recently been named as an “unmissable” experience in two prestigious travel guides: National Geographic’s annual ‘Cool List’ and Rough Guides’ Best Destinations

Proud Supporters of the UNESCO Biosphere

OakHill Cafe & Deli are pleased to have been accepted as a Biosphere Proud Supporter.  From starting up as a new business in 2022, our focus has been to be sustainable, reduce wastage and protect the envoronment.  Below is how we meet our obligations as a Proud Supporter.

  • Help conserve the natural resources of the Biosphere
  • Support the economy to benefit people and nature
  • Promote cultural heritage and local products
  • Contribute to the health and wellbeing of the community
  • Develop knowledge, understanding, and promote research
  • Raise awareness of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere

SUSTAINABITY

At OakHill we recognise that everything we do can have an effect on the local and global environment. It is our policy to meet and, where practical exceed all relevant regulatory requirements and to minimise any adverse environmental effects caused as a result of our activities or products.

Responsibility & Monitoring

We as owners are responsible for ensuring that this policy is implemented, however all employees have a responsibility to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.

Policy Aims

  • Comply and exceed where practical with all relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Continually improve and monitor environmental performance across energy use, products and wastage.
  • Increase employee and customer environmental awareness.

Energy Use

We will only purchase Energy Efficient equipment, for use in our stores. Any equipment, heating or lighting not in use must be switched off. We plan our own internal deliveries to maximise fuel efficiency, reduce carbon emission and reduce unnecessary journeys.

Products

All products for sale will be packaged in such a way as to minimise their environmental effects when disposed of. We source wherever possible materials that can be recycled. For example:

  • Bio-degradable napkins
  • Compostible cutlery
  • Recycled Brown Kraft paper bags
  • Recyclable coffee cups
  • Eco-friendly cleaning materials.

 

Recycling & Disposal of Waste

We are committed to reducing waste created by the use of disposable packaging and to ensuring any waste generated can be recycled: Minimising waste by using reusable crockery and cutlery whenever possible. Encouraging the use of reusable take away cups by offering a discount.  Ensuring that as much packaging from suppliers, as possible, is recycled or reused.

All of our coffee grounds are collected by local residents for use on their own garden projects.

Suppliers

We will endeavour to source and use suppliers whose values are aligned to our own.  Our coffee is Rain Forest Alliance certified. Suppliers are also chosen who are regionally local to us, and who in turn are committed to sourcing ingredients locally.

Training

We implement our policies through staff training and encourage employee involvement in environmental matters at all levels. We will constantly reappraise our working methods to improve our performance.