Bridge of Allan dairy to supply sports facilities as it marks historic ties to former family farmland
Graham’s Family Dairy has announced a new partnership with the University of Stirling, which it describes as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, returning to the land it once farmed to support the next generation of sporting talent and the local community.
The partnership builds on a relationship spanning generations. Before the university opened in 1967, the Graham family farmed the land on which its campus now stands, later running its on-site supermarket. The dairy also supported the refurbishment of the university library, where the archive section bears the names of Chairman Robert Graham and his wife Jean, both still active in the business.
The Bridge of Allan dairy is now extending its ties to the university’s sporting community, helping fuel student athletes with its range of natural, high-protein dairy products while supporting events for students and the surrounding community. The partnership will see Graham’s Dairy enjoy year-round visibility across the university’s sports facilities, with a dedicated fridge in the Nourish Café and product sampling at key student events, including the Sports Bazaar and headline club fixtures.
Beyond student sport, the collaboration will place emphasis on the wider Stirling community, with Graham’s Dairy supporting events that bring together students and local residents, including the Dumyat Hill Race and HYROX simulations. The partnership aims to celebrate the shared connection between the university and the community around it.
Carol Graham, Marketing Director at Graham’s Family Dairy, said: “Given our family’s connection to the land, this partnership holds great significance for us. Our business and the university have grown a great deal over the generations, but our connection to Stirling has remained a constant.
“The University has an outstanding sporting reputation, and this partnership gives us a fantastic opportunity to help fuel the next generation of sporting talent with natural dairy protein, while getting involved in events that bring students and local people together.
“Quality is at the heart of everything we do, starting with the milk sourced from our farming partners across Scotland and carried through into every product we make. We’re proud to support athletes in their pursuit of performance while continuing to invest in a community that has always been part of our family story.”
Beyond the partnership, Graham’s Family Dairy said it also hopes to continue inspiring students with an interest in Scotland’s food and farming industry. University of Stirling students have previously gained experience through placements within Graham’s Dairy’s marketing and finance teams.
Cathy Gallagher, Executive Director of Sport at the University of Stirling, said: “At the University of Stirling, sport has the power to transform lives, strengthen communities and inspire excellence at every level. From grassroots participation to world-class performance, we are proud to support thousands of students, athletes and community members each year, helping people fulfil their potential and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
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“Our partnership with Graham’s Family Dairy brings together two organisations that share a strong commitment to quality, wellbeing and community. The Stirlingshire business has a proud heritage of supporting local communities and championing the importance of quality nutrition, values that align closely with our ambition to create an environment where people can thrive through sport.
“By bringing together Stirling’s culture of sporting excellence and Graham’s Family Dairy’s commitment to nourishment, quality and community, we have an exciting opportunity to deliver a partnership with genuine impact. I am delighted that we can work together to inspire the next generation, support performance and strengthen our communities.”
Graham’s Family Dairy was founded in 1939 by Robert Graham in Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, where he reared 12 cows, milked them by hand and made deliveries by horse and cart. The family business, now spanning three generations, produces a range of dairy products including its Gold Top and Organic ranges, milk, cream, butter, spreadable butter, ice cream, cottage cheese, quark, yoghurt, kefir and high-protein products.
