A FARM, near Gifford, is launching its own artisan cheese range.

While Simon and Jackie McCreery’s Yester Farm Dairies has been growing steadily since it opened for business in 2003, the family has been farming for generations.

Jackie said: “It is an exciting time. We are really looking forward to getting our food service range off the ground over the next six months or so and then hope to develop an innovative retail range in 2016.

“The first trial batch is done and we will hopefully get final sign-off from our local environmental health officers shortly and so be able to sell products within the next six weeks.”

As soon as milking is finished, it is piped straight from the milking parlour to the modern pasteurisation plant on-site.

It is then packed and distributed to hotels, restaurants and retail shops across the central belt.

Yester Farm Dairies will set up a soft cheese processing unit which will allow them to produce traditional style mozzarella and spreadable soft cheeses in addition to cultured creams such as crème fraiche and sour cream.

As well as catering to existing customers across the Lothians and Borders, now the business will be able to grow and distribute to the food service sector across the UK.

Currently, the business employs 18 staff.

However, within the next year, Simon and Jackie will look to add to increase their workforce by up to five additional employees.

It’s been a busy time for the family and Jackie added: “We were delighted to have recently been shortlisted as a finalist for Dairy Innovator of the Year at the British Farming Awards and we will continue to try new things.

“Our new soft cheese processing unit will allow us to offer new products, grow the business and break into new markets not only in Scotland but throughout the UK, and who knows, perhaps even export.“

Support from the Clydesdale Bank has helped secure the new venture.