ESS scores three-year Scouts Scotland contract

ESS – the defence, energy and government services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland – has been awarded a three-year catering contract with Scouts Scotland at its Scout Adventures facility in Lochgoilhead, Argyll.

The contract will see ESS deliver catering services at the site, which can accommodate up to 150 guests at a time, and serves around 70,000 meals a year to Scouts, visiting schools and staff.

After a tendering exercise, Scouts Scotland awarded the contract to ESS as the company was able to demonstrate strong evidence of its capability to work in a variety of remote locations, delivering nutritious meals suitable for young, active customers.

A focus on seasonal produce, minimising food waste and elimination of single use plastics will support the sustainability objectives for the contract.

ESS contracts in the region already includes soft facilities management services at HMNB Clyde and catering for the MOD National Training Estate.

Graeme Luke, chief executive of Scouts Scotland, said: “I am delighted to be working with ESS at our Scout Adventures Centre at Lochgoilhead, Argyllshire. The centre has just reopened after a two-year closure due to the impact of the pandemic and we believe that outdoor learning opportunities should be available to every young person and work alongside education to develop skills for life.

"We were particularly impressed with the synergy between our two organisations and the focus on providing excellent customer service to young people and delivering healthy and nutritious food which is necessary after taking part in outdoor and adventurous activity.”

Mark Webster, managing director of ESS, said: “The contract requirements align extremely well with what we do elsewhere in our business – from feeding in remote locations to meeting the dietary requirements of young, active individuals – and we’re delighted that Scouts Scotland recognised this during the tender process.

"We’re looking forward to developing and delivering a bespoke food offer for the Scout Adventures Centre which will appeal to the residents on site, as well as providing them with healthy, filling meals to prepare them for a busy day of activities.”