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Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel in Aberdeen has begun sourcing fresh, locally grown produce from Camphill Wellbeing Trust’s Compass Project as part of a new partnership connecting the hotel with the nearby community initiative.
Seasonal, organically grown produce from the Compass Project gardens at the former Waldorf School buildings in Cults will make the short journey to the hotel, where it will be incorporated into dishes by its culinary team.
The agreement marks another stage in the development of the Compass Project, which has been transforming the previously disused site and its buildings into a community-focused centre for healthy and sustainable living since December 2020.
The gardens form part of that work, combining food production with opportunities to develop skills and take part in meaningful and therapeutic activity.
Planning permission has also recently been granted for the next phase of the Compass Project.
The former kindergarten and science block will be transformed into the East Point Health & Enterprise Hub, incorporating therapy and consultation rooms, a café and play café, charity shop, volunteer hub and craft rooms.
The £1.6 million third phase of the development is expected to begin before the end of 2026.
Craig Strachan, CEO of Camphill Wellbeing Trust, said: “This is an excellent example of what we want the Compass Project to be about because it creates connections between people, place and the wider community.
“Finding such a notable outlet for our produce in close proximity and creating a relationship with Norwood has been exciting. Not only does it meet our sustainability aims by reducing food miles and putting local produce on the menu, but it adds further to the purpose of the garden which develops skills and creates meaningful, therapeutic activity.”
Katrina Wardrop, Hotel Manager at Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Compass Project and to be sharing produce that is literally grown on our doorstep. We really couldn’t be serving anything more local!
“The seasonality and range are exactly what our chefs look for when it comes to creating exciting menus for our guests, but this is about more than what ends up on the plate.
“This partnership is also about supporting the Compass Project in its endeavours to be a positive and integral part of the local community, and we look forward to supporting the team in their ambitions as the project continues to advance.”
Camphill Wellbeing Trust is a Scottish charity working across health, education and social care and forms part of the worldwide Camphill Movement, which began in Aberdeen in 1940.
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