Production

We only ever use prime quality Scottish oats, grown in Scotland from Scottish seed, which is closely monitored from seed to harvest. We work closely with a network of farmers the length and breadth of Scotland, with a predominance of farmers in the north east of Scotland, near our oat mill at Boyndie in Banffshire, in the heart of Scotland’s oat growing countryside. Many of them have worked with us for several generations. Our insistence on the highest standards helps to ensure that we have access to the best crops available.

As each load arrives at the mill it is subject to rigorous inspection and testing.

As the oats are unloaded at the grain intake area, any small sticks, stones and impurities are removed using sieves and air in a rotating drum, before being cleaned.

The oats are stored in the bulk storage silos, which have a capacity of over 9,000 tonnes, and are moved to our smaller day silos as we need them.

The outer husks are removed by passing them through a drum which revolves at high speed against a rubber surface, causing the oat to spring from its husk. The discarded husks are used in animal feed.

The oats are heated and dried in kilns, to remove their natural moisture. The kilning gives them a lovely golden colour.

Although our mill is one of the most modern in Europe, the oats are still milled using traditional methods. The oats are either steel cut to produce Pinhead Oatmeal, as shown on the right, then the Pinhead can be stoneground using stone wheels to produce Medium Oatmeal or rolled to produce Porridge Oats.

We use automatic packaging lines to fill, weigh and seal each pack, which are then packed into cardboard boxes for delivery to the supermarkets.

Our porridge oats and oatmeal are enjoyed by healthy eaters the length and breadth of Scotland. Whether enjoyed as the main part of a healthy breakfast, or used versatile ingredients in a wide variety of sweet and savoury recipes, Hamlyns of Scotland products are healthy wholesome and 100% Scottish.