Caboc (Tain, Ross and Cromarty)

This is Scotland’s oldest cheese, dating from the 15th century. Originating in the Scottish Highlands, the cream cheese was first made by Mariota de Ile, the daughter of the chieftain of the Clan MacDonald of the Isles. At 12 years of age, Mariota was in danger of being abducted by the Clan Campbell who planned to marry her to one of their own and seize her lands. Mariota escaped to Ireland, reputedly taking refuge in a nunnery (in line with the clan’s leanings towards Catholicism), where she learned how to make cheese. On her return, she married (within the family constraints) and passed the recipe to her daughter, who in turn passed it on to her daughter. The recipe is still secret and has been handed down from mother to daughter ever since; the current descendant of the clan and owner of the recipe is Susannah Stone.