By Karen Peattie

SCOTTISH dairy companies are broadening doorstep deliveries of milk and other products in response to customer demand during the coronavirus crisis.

Graham’s The Family Dairy, the Bridge of Allan-based company which last year launched doorstep deliveries of milk in glass bottles across the Highlands and Aberdeenshire, has extended the areas and product ranges within its current delivery service.

Glasgow-based McQueens Dairies, another family business, has also seen a spike in sales in recent weeks as people follow Government guidelines to stay at home.

Robert Graham, managing director of Graham’s, said the Covid-19 pandemic had accelerated existing plans to expand its doorstep service with new customers able to purchase butter, eggs, cream and yoghurt as well as milk. Sales of butter, he added, had particularly risen in recent weeks as people take up baking or start baking more frequently.

While open to customers across the Edinburgh, Kinross, Perth, Fife, Kintore, Inverness and Nairn areas, the most vulnerable people, including young families, are being prioritised.

Mr Graham said the firm would continue to develop the service after lockdown had been lifted. “With the IT systems and infrastructure now in place we’ll be in a good position to drive this side of the business,” he said.

Calum McQueen, operations director at McQueens, said the firm had received “thousands of enquiries” about doorstep delivery in recent weeks, including many from outwith its delivery area. “A couple of weeks ago we had to take down our online ordering facility because we simply couldn’t service the demand,” he said.

“The business has been growing year on year and our glass bottles have really struck a chord with customers but now we’re seeing people who would never previously consider doorstep delivery really appreciating the benefits.”

He added: “We believe that while some won’t want a doorstep delivery once they’re able to move about freely again, most will want to continue receiving a reliable and personal service.”