From Farm to Cup: The Story Behind Your Coffee

Some stories begin with grand adventures or life-changing moments. This one? It starts on a Tuesday afternoon in a coffee roastery in Buckie.

Anyone who loves coffee knows the magic of that deep, rich aroma—roasted beans releasing their essence into the air. They understand the care that goes into pulling the perfect espresso: golden crema… a moment of pure indulgence. And for me, nothing beats the earthy, chocolatey notes of a great Brazilian coffee.

That afternoon in Buckie, I drank far too many espressos. I probably didn’t sleep much that night. Some decisions when starting The Highland Weigh were difficult—this one was effortless. This was the coffee. No question. No debate. This was the coffee we had to serve our customers.

So, settle in as we take you on a journey—one that starts in the coffee fields of Brazil and winds its way through the expert hands of roasters before landing in your cup. This is a story of people, science, passion, and craftsmanship.

- Amanda MacArthur (The Highland Weigh)

The Farm – Fazenda Três Meninas, Brazil

In the heart of the Cerrado Mineiro region, Fazenda Três Meninas is more than just a coffee farm—it’s a force for change. The owners believe that farming should not only produce exceptional coffee but also uplift communities and restore the environment.

For the past five years, the farm has embraced regenerative agriculture, drastically reducing pesticides and chemical fertilizers while serving as a model for over 4,500 coffee producers in the region. They’ve planted over 5,000 trees, introduced cover crops to enrich the soil, and carefully positioned trees to reduce wind exposure—saving water and improving resilience.

Recognised as one of the top 5% most sustainable coffee farms in the world (Imaflora, 2020), Três Meninas goes beyond just growing coffee. They work with universities, run workshops in schools, and support other farmers in securing technical guidance. Their mission is clear: better coffee, a healthier planet, and a stronger farming community.

- Lorna Wielewski (Melco Coffee Roasters)

The Coffee – A Taste of Brazil

Our coffee comes from a single estate and is 100% Arabica Yellow Bourbon—a rare and sought-after variety known for its smooth, well-balanced profile. The beans are naturally sun-dried: a process that enhances their rich chocolate, raspberry, and hazelnut notes while keeping acidity low.

- Lorna Wielewski (Melco Coffee Roasters)

The Roastery – Small Batch, Big Passion

From Brazil, the green beans make their way to Melco Coffee Roasters in Buckie, a family-run business that has been supplying quality coffee to the Northeast of Scotland for over 35 years.

At Melco’s Firecrest Roastery, coffee is roasted in small batches using an all-electric, renewable-powered roaster—a sustainable process that brings out the beans’ best flavours while minimising environmental impact. Their high-efficiency filtration system helps protect the Moray Firth from air pollution, ensuring their coffee is as clean as it is delicious.

Master roaster John and his team oversee every step, from careful sourcing of ethical, accredited beans to precision roasting and constant tasting to achieve the perfect cup. And when it came to selecting the right coffee for The Highland Weigh? Let’s just say there were many, many espressos involved!

- Lorna Wielewski (Melco Coffee Roasters)

The Highland Weigh – From Bean to Cup

Once roasted to perfection, the coffee beans arrive at The Highland Weigh in reusable tubs, which are returned and refilled—keeping them in the circular economy and reducing waste. We only store two weeks’ worth at a time, ensuring every cup we serve is as fresh as possible.

Our team is passionate about coffee. We sample it daily, perfecting our technique, experimenting with seasonal specials, and having a little fun with coffee art.

More than anything, we want every cup to tell a story—of farmers, roasters, and baristas, of craftsmanship, sustainability, and care. So next time you lift a cup and take in the aroma, I hope this journey comes to mind.

Tim-tim! (pronounced cheem-cheem in Brazilian Portuguese—cheers!)

- Amanda MacArthur (The Highland Weigh)

The team on the coffee farm

Coffee roasting at Melco