Bucket list experience:
Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Salmon is caught fresh from Highland rivers and smoked in traditional smokehouses
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.
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.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Pitlochry, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £25 | 5 hours
Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Isle of Skye , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Speyside, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
The world’s only malt whisky trail – eight world-class distilleries and a cooperage, all open for tours and tastings.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
Tennis superstar Andy Murray’s opulent Highland hotel has a gourmet restaurant, whisky room and tennis court in Wimbledon’s colours.
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Braemar , Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
This Victorian hotel in Braemar is the place to stay for those seeking a sumptuous, maximalist, modern art-clad Highland hideaway.
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Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
A quirky and characterful Victorian lodge on the quieter south side of Loch Ness, with tree-fringed views over the water.
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Glencoe, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
A grand Victorian mansion surrounded by heart-stopping scenery with a distinctive all-suite in-room dining concept, perfect for those seeking seclusion.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom (UK)
Magnificent mountain scenery slashed by silvery lochs and peppered with brooding castles: all laden with rich Scottish heritage, history and tradition.
