About Us

The Hamlyns of Scotland brand is now 45 years old.

Hamlyns is part of a family food business, owned and managed by a family with 14 generations of history in oat milling.

Here are some of the key dates in our history:

 

1965

Hamlyn and Co was a successful grain merchant, mainly supplying farms throughout the north east of Scotland. In 1965, two skilled millers from another local mill joined the company, bringing not just their skills as millers, but a strong customer base. The company decided to sieze the opportunity to launch their first consumer brand.

The first Hamlyns Oatmeal was produced at the Fraserburgh Watermill, a watermill in name only, which until then had been used primarily for drying grain. Hamlyns Oatmeal was launched in September 1965 and was an instant success in wholesalers and grocers throughout the north east of Scotland.

1973

With Hamlyns Oatmeal well established, the company expanded the range to include Hamlyns Porridge Oats.

1977

Hamlyn and Co was acquired by the Hanson Trust, who were building their agricultural interests having acquired milling interests in Kirriemuir, Inverurie and Aberdeen. The Kirriemuir Mill produced oatmeal under the Peter Pan brand, however they recognised the value of the Hamlyns brand, and soon re-branded all of their oatmeal under the Hamlyns label.

1987

Hanson sold the company to J Bibby Agriculture Ltd, who continued to expand the customer base and develop the brand.

1991

Bibbys closed their mills in Buckie and Kirriemuir, and sold the Hamlyns brand to North Eastern Farmers, a farmers' co-operative. North Eastern Farmers already had their own oatmeal brand, Up Country, however Hamlyns was once again believed to be the stronger brand, and Up Country was discontinued in favour of Hamlyns.

1991

The mill at Boyndie, near Banff, opened in 1991, in the heart of Scotland’s oat growing countryside. The climate in the north east of Scotland is ideally suited to growing oats. The mill is still one of the most modern oat processing mills in Europe, combining the latest oat milling techniques with traditional customs.

1998

Hamlyns was sold to the current family owners in 1998. They remain committed to producing a premium quality traditional product, 100% Scottish, from seed, to mill to finished product.