Scone, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Traditional game fair with gundog displays, sheep-racing and pipe bands in the grounds of Scone Palace.
Good for age: 8+
Duration: 3 days
When: End of June
Freq: annually
Travel bucket list idea:
Scottish Highlands’ best food & drink
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Bucket List Experience
Last updated: 07 April, 2024
Contrary to cliched opinion, Scots don’t live on haggis (offal, onion and oatmeal encased sausage-like in a sheep’s stomach), neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) – or deep-fried Mars Bars.
More and more chefs are celebrating the local produce with inventive modern Scottish cuisine alongside a growing field-to-fork movement. It’s all about provenance and food miles these days and the Scottish Highlands’ rich natural larder fits perfectly with this ethos.
The hills are home to red deer (for wild venison), Highland ‘coos’ (cows, for superb quality beef, notably Aberdeen Angus) and heather-grazed lamb; its rushing rivers and deep lochs are brimming with brown trout and salmon. Shellfish is another highlight from Loch Fyne oysters to hand-dived scallops off the west coast, rope-grown mussels, crab and crayfish.
The landscape is peppered with artisan smokehouses and charcuterie-makers, coffee roasters – and distilleries.
Once you’ve sampled the inventive tasting menus inspired by the fresh local produce what better way to end the evening than with a dram? The Highlands is whisky country and home to some of the most famous distilleries in the world such as Glenfiddich and the Glenlivet.
What to try
Smoked salmon, smoked venison and smoked trout are melt-in-the-mouth local specialities. You can still find tiny traditional smokehouses dotted around the Highlands.
A whisky distillery or two should be on your list – if not a bucolic meander along Speyside’s Malt Whisky Trail. But there are also plenty of gin distilleries to dip into as well – Scotland even has its own Gin Trail. The Highlands is home to the first climate-positive gin and vodka produced by Arbikie Distillery made from peas on the north-east coast and the first Scottish absinthe producer, Lost Loch Distillery, on the eastern edge of the Cairngorms.
Also see Lucy’s round-up of traditional Scottish foods you must try in Scotland.
Who to go with: tour operators
Speyside, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Bucket List Experience
Experience
The world’s only malt whisky trail – eight world-class distilleries and a cooperage, all open for tours and tastings.
Min age 18
Good for age: 18+
The Oyster Shed
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This little shack up a bumpy track near Talisker Distillery is the place to go for freshly shucked oysters straight from the oyster farm in tidal Loch Harport. It’s rough and ready with a lean-to and picnic tables and a sea-loch-view to die for.
Good for age: 18+
Loch Bay Restaurant
Isle of Skye , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Skye punches above its weight in terms of foodie enclaves and chef Michael Smith’s Scottish seafood restaurant in the village of Stein on the Waternish peninsula – is one of the Michelin-starred highlights.
Good for age: 18+
The Barn
Aviemore, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
On the edge of Aviemore in the Cairngorms the rustic-chic Rothiemurchus Estate farm shop, cafe and deli sells beef and venison from their farm along with a range of local artisan produce – such as Inshriach gin.
Good for age: 18+
Cooking classes at Ballintaggart Farm
Pitlochry, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This foodie bolt-hole offers field-to-fork cookery classes in Highland Perthshire themed around ‘seasonal suppers’, ‘pickling, preserving and fermenting’ and ‘fire and foraging’. You can stay over in one of 12 luxury bedrooms, or book into the Grandtully Hotel, their sleek sister property nearby.
Adult price: 25
Good for age: 13+
Duration: 5 hours
When: Selected dates
Freq: Selected dates
Kinloch Lodge
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
This family-run, manor house hotel offers a combination of stylish comfort and warm hospitality from owner Isabel. If you don’t stay, then go for the outstanding gourmet food – using fresh local ingredients and traditional Highland recipes. There’s a whisky bar with over 120 different bottles.
Good for age: 18+
Three Chimneys
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Experience
Foodies have been making a pilgrimage to this legendary restaurant, founded by Scottish food heroes, Shirley and Eddie Spear, for over three decades for its famous eight-course tasting menu. There are comfy bedrooms if you want to stay.
Adult price: 50
Good for age: 18+
Logistics
Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: -
Destination guides
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Destination guide
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition. Drive the NC500 road trip, or ride on the spectacular West Highland Line.