Bonnet is a farmhouse goat’s cheese made by Ann Dorward at Dunlop Dairy on Clerkland Farm in Stewarton, Ayreshire, Scotland. The farm has history going back to the 1700’s and traditionally kept Ayrshire cows, but when the water supply fell below modern standards in the 1960’s, milk production stopped. The farm soon fell into disrepair, until it was taken on by Ann’s family in 1983.
Ann’s parents immediately set about repairing the house and putting in water mains, while Ann focused on how earn money to fund the repairs, and to make a living. She had always wanted to live and work of a farm and had a deep love of animals and agriculture so she went to study the latter at college. She came up with the idea of introducing goats and ewes to the farm to get a better return for their milk and cheese, and upon completing her courses, she began working at a local dairy farm, buying stock and renovating the barns and old farm buildings. She began her own cheesemaking in 1989 and her first ever batch of Bonnet and Swinzie won gold and silver awards at the IFE London International Cheese Show. This recognition consolidated Ann’s ideas and career in cheesemaking. In the late 80’s goat’s and ewe’s milk cheeses were still fairly niche and there was a local demand for cow’s milk cheese, so she began making Dunlop, a famous local speciality.
Today, cows are still milked in the old byre, while the old dairy buildings now house the cheese production area. The cheeses are still aged in the old stone shed on the farm. The shed has 2ft thick walls and replicates the conditions of a cave. This allows the cheeses to take on the natural aroma and flavour of the surrounding flora. The old barn now houses their wonderful cheese shop and pretty tearoom.
Bonnet is a fantastic firm goat's cheese made with milk from the dairy’s own herd of Swiss Saanan and Toggenburg goats. The name for this cheese comes from the local town of Stewarton ‘The Bonnet Toun’ as the local mills there have been making bonnets for the army regiments, as well as Scottish headwear, since the 16th Century.
The goats are outdoor reared, home fed and the cheese is made and matured on site so there are no food miles involved in production.
Established in 1994, our commitment is to bring you exceptional and unforgettable, artisanal food from across the UK and Europe, from producers who are passionate, dedicated and share our key values regarding sustainability, fantastic animal welfare and high quality produce.
Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events and more.
Entice customers to sign up for your mailing list with discounts or exclusive offers.
