Our latest 'Introducing Orkney's Makers' feature focuses on Lochside Roasters, the West Mainland-based coffee roastery with a popular range of coffees from whole bean to cafetière grind. We spoke with the roastery's Isla Tulloch to find out more about her business and her love for all things coffee.
Where did the idea for Lochside Roasters come from, and how did you get things started?
Lochside Roasters started through a genuine interest in coffee and a curiosity about what goes into making a really good cup of coffee. I'd always enjoyed coffee, and after I'd started brewing at home I became more interested in the roasting process and how much difference it can make to the flavour of the finished product.
What started as a love has developed into a speciality coffee roastery based in Birsay. We now roast our own coffee in small batches, carefully sourcing quality beans and bringing freshly roasted coffee to customers both locally and further afield.
What kind of coffees do you offer?
We offer a range of freshly roasted speciality coffees, with different origins and flavour profiles to suit different tastes. These coffees are roasted differently depending on the recommended brewing method displayed on the bag.
Our coffees are available as whole beans or ground for cafetière, filter or espresso, in 250g and 1kg bags. We carefully select our green coffee beans through trusted suppliers and roast each batch here in Orkney. For me, it’s about making good-quality speciality coffee more accessible, and in general, educating people about how to brew coffee yourself.
What role does Orkney play in your products – do the islands offer any inspiration when it comes to your business?
Being based in Orkney is a huge part of our identity. We’re proud to roast our coffee here in Birsay, and it’s something that makes Lochside Roasters different.
Running a business from the islands certainly has its challenges, particularly when it comes to deliveries, ferry disruptions and getting supplies to the mainland. However, it also gives us a strong sense of place and connection to our local community.
We’re proud to put Orkney on the map in our own little way, sharing coffee roasted here with customers across the country.
What are your future plans for the business?
I’m always looking for ways to develop and grow the business. I’d love to continue expanding our wholesale customer base, getting our coffee into more independent shops, cafés and businesses, while also reaching more customers through our online shop.
We’re keen to keep developing our coffee range and investing in the equipment and knowledge that allow us to improve what we do, too. Ultimately, the aim is to grow Lochside Roasters while staying true to what we’re about: great coffee, carefully roasted here in Orkney.
Christmas is coming - what’s your favourite thing about the festive season in Orkney?
I think it’s the sense of community. Christmas in Orkney has a lovely feel to it, with local businesses, familiar faces and people coming together. There’s something special about the quieter pace of life, getting cosy during the darker evenings and enjoying time with family and friends.
It’s also a great time to support local businesses and make the most of everything Orkney has to offer.
If you could have one other Orkney product for Christmas, what would it be?
I’d have to say some cheese from Burnside Cheese, alongside a good Chilli Jam from Orkney Isles Preserves. Who doesn’t love a bit of overindulging at Christmas? Orkney has some fantastic local food producers and a cheese board with a few local favourites is always a good winner in my eyes!
Find out more about Lochside Roasters and visit the official website to order online.
You can also find Lochside Roasters on Instagram and Facebook.