While a lot of people might half-jokingly see the pinnacle of Scotland’s cuisine as the deep-fried Mars Bar, there’s far more to traditional Scottish food than that. With some of the most spectacular seafood in the UK as well as the best whiskey in the world and a whole host of filling and delicious treats to tuck into, Scottish food is well worth exploring. And there’s no better place to enjoy what’s on offer than at one of our luxury castles in Scotland, which make the perfect place to stay while you’re exploring the country – and just so you know, deep-fried Mars Bars are actually pretty delicious…
A gourmand with limited time on their hands can squeeze in as much eating and drinking as possible on a day-long ‘Tasting St. Andrews Tour’. Though most commonly associate with golf, St. Andrews is also a choice food destination and harbours several award-winning food producers. During this day-long tour, hungry participants will get to peak behind the scenes at a local dairy and a craft brewery. They’ll also sample Scottish goods, including cheese, craft ales, whisky or ice cream (your choice), shortbread and more. A tasting lunch comprising several regional specialties and wine is also part of the package.
Price Range: Tours starting from £44
Location: Various
Bookings: Email info@tastingscotland.com
The chef at this elegant 18th-century Michelin-starred inn plucks outstanding seasonal ingredients from Scotland’s brimming larder to plate up his flawlessly executed dishes. You can feast on local game, seafood from just down the road and Scottish farmhouse cheeses in the intimate dining rooms. End the meal with a coffee back in the reception room, where a blazing fire roars during colder weather.
Price Range: 3 course menu from £29
Location: Near St Andrews Fife, Scotland, KY15 5LH
Bookings: Online at The Peat Inn
Edinburgh Gin Distillery, Edinburgh West EndWhisky isn’t the only spirit on the scene in Scotland. Scottish gin is currently enjoying something of a renaissance at the moment and offers a tasty alternative to the prevalent golden elixir. Leave the car at home for Edinburgh Gin Distillery Tours, ranked in the top 20 of Edinburgh Visitor Attractions on Tripadvisor. You’ll delve into Edinburgh’s rich history of gin production, and discover the science of distilling with a chance to see their beautiful copper stills in action. We’d go as far as to say it’s one of the best experiences in Scotland.
Location: 1A Rutland Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2AD
Bookings: bookings@edinburghgin.com
Whether you’re a bonafide Scotch geek or a neophyte who wants to find out what all the fuss is about, Rabbies Discover Malt Whisky Day Tour will bring you deeper into the world of Scotch whisky. You’ll visit Glengoyne and Deanston distilleries for tours and tastings, as well as taking in views of Loch Lomond National Park and stopping for lunch in a loch-side pub.
Price: Tours starting from £36pp
Location: Glasgow and Edinburgh
Bookings: Call- +44(0) 131 226 3133
Housed in a converted crofter’s cottage, this restaurant is located on the very north-west tip of the Isle of Skye. It’s not the kind of place you’ll just happen to pass by, though it’s well worth going out of your way to eat here. The menu is a local affair with many of the dish components namechecking both Skye and other Hebridean Island locales, such as Gigha (halibut), Dunvegan (crab) and Glendale (mesclun).
Price: Prices starting from £37pp
Location: Colbost Dunvegan Isle of Skye, IV55 8ZT
Bookings: Call (0)1470 511258
In Scotland, it’s pretty much the norm to end every brisk walk, bike ride or round of golf with a restorative cuppa and snack in a cosy teahouse. With friendly service, an informal, homely atmosphere and generous portions of freshly-baked cakes – as well as savoury goods for those that way inclined – Muneroy is one of the best places to take part in this national tradition.
Location: Southend campbeltown Argyll PA28 6RW
Bookings: Call 01586 830 221
This stylish restaurant is located on Oban Pier, and overlooks the very waters from where much of its seafood is sourced. It will be difficult for fish lovers to pick just one dish, when there are so many tempting options on the seafood-centric menu, which includes the likes of Caledonian oysters done several ways, grilled west coast hake, char grilled Isle of Mull scallops and whole roasted chilli and lime sea bream.
Price: Two course lunch/early dinner menu from £14.99
Location: 1, Railway Pier, Oban, Argyll and Bute PA34 4LW
Bookings: Call 01631 563110
The phrase Scottish winery may seem like an oxymoron, but Cairn O’Mohr isn’t your typical winery. Set on a farm in the berry-laden region of Perthshire, this unusual winery produces a range of fruit-flavoured wines and ciders. Take a tour of the winery then let the kids occupy themselves in the playground while you sit out on the terrace of the on-site café sipping one of their berry, flower or leaf-infused refreshments.
Price: Tours starting from £7.50pp
Location: East Inchmichael Errol Perthshire, PH27SP
Bookings: Online at Cairn O’mohr
The café at this working chocolate factory is the kind of place you’ll want to linger. The seats are comfy and the views over Oban pier and the water are stunning. The choice of chocolate goodies available both in the café and the adjoining shop is truly bewildering. The Oban chocolatiers making full use of the region’s culinary idiosyncrasies to produce both classic and uniquely Scottish creations, including an Irn Bru truffle, and a chocolatey riff on fish and chips (a fish-shaped milk chocolate with chip-shaped white chocolates).
Location: 34 Corran Esplanade, Oban PA34 5PS
Bookings: No need to book just show up!
Scotch whisky steals the limelight, but it isn’t the only delicious alcoholic beverage being produced up north. Scotland is also responsible for many tasty ales. The much-praised Fyne Ales brewery is set in a converted barn and welcomes visitors to come tour the premises (though you’ll need to book in advance). You’ll get to snoop around the working brewery, learning about every stage in the brewing process before taking part in a tutored tasting of the final product. Large groups can make a day out of it, by following the tour and tasting with a barbecue out in the brewery’s courtyard.
Location: Loch Fyne, PA26 8BJ
Bookings: Call 01499 600120
Our fantastic concierge team is available to help out if you want to book one of our holiday homes – and they’re happy to chat if you’ve just got a few questions or want to find the accommodation that’s right for you. Need some more inspiration for your Scotland trip? Our blog has got loads, so head on over and check out our Scotland Travel Guide or our favorite winter destinations in Scotland.
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