Food & Drink
One area that the Highlands of Scotland certainly excels in
is food and drink! From Michelin Star restaurants to farmers
markets, and to cosy local pubs, you’ll always find plenty
of choice. Below is a list of some of the food and drink not
to miss whilst in the Highlands:
Whisky
The Scottish Highlands is home to some of the finest malt whisky in the world and each year there is even a festival dedicated to celebrating the famous spirit, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival!!
Haggis
Haggis is a typical Highland dish containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs traditionally served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (mashed turnip and mashed potatoes) and a wee dram of whisky on the side!
Porridge
Alongside a traditional Scottish cooked breakfast on a lot of B&Bs menus you will find porridge (rolled oats boiled in water, milk or both) usually served with a selection of different toppings.
Black Pudding
Black pudding (blood sausage) is a blend of onions, pork fat, oatmeal, seasonings and blood (usually from a pig). It is typically served in Scottish cooked breakfasts but keep an eye out for it on restaurant menus too.
Smoked Fish
Throughout the Highlands you will find various traditional smokehouses that create the most amazing smoked fish including smoked salmon, smoked trout and smoked mackerel. Some even allow smokehouse visits that make for an interesting day out!
Clootie Dumpling
A delicious boiled pudding cake made from flour, breadcrumbs, dried fruit, suet, sugar, spice and milk. The name ‘clootie’ comes from the cloth that the mixture is traditionally wrapped in before boiling.
Sampling some freshly caught seafood is a must while you are in the Highlands. With sometimes only a few hours passing between it being landed from the boat to reaching your plate you really will be able to taste the freshness! You will find excellent seafood restaurants at most of the coastal towns and villages along with some great fish and chip shops too!
When it comes to sampling local beers you will find that most local pubs will have a good selection of bottled beers and real ales from one of more of the four Highland breweries; Black Isle Brewery, Cairngorm Brewery, An Teallach Brewery and the Isle of Skye Brewery.
When travelling in the more remote areas of the Highlands, it is always advisable to try and plan ahead when it comes to food and drink – and be aware that a lot of restaurants tend to stop taking orders between 8pm and 9pm so try to factor that in to your timings and plans. With so many great picnic locations around the Highlands, preparing lunch with produce from local farmers markets and delicatessens always works well if you have self-catering facilities. You will also find that many B&Bs and hotels will offer a packed lunch service that you can pre-order so it’s ready for you in the morning for your onward journey.
Whisky
The Scottish Highlands is home to some of the finest malt whisky in the world and each year there is even a festival dedicated to celebrating the famous spirit, The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival!!
Haggis
Haggis is a typical Highland dish containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs traditionally served with ‘neeps and tatties’ (mashed turnip and mashed potatoes) and a wee dram of whisky on the side!
Porridge
Alongside a traditional Scottish cooked breakfast on a lot of B&Bs menus you will find porridge (rolled oats boiled in water, milk or both) usually served with a selection of different toppings.
Black Pudding
Black pudding (blood sausage) is a blend of onions, pork fat, oatmeal, seasonings and blood (usually from a pig). It is typically served in Scottish cooked breakfasts but keep an eye out for it on restaurant menus too.
Smoked Fish
Throughout the Highlands you will find various traditional smokehouses that create the most amazing smoked fish including smoked salmon, smoked trout and smoked mackerel. Some even allow smokehouse visits that make for an interesting day out!
Clootie Dumpling
A delicious boiled pudding cake made from flour, breadcrumbs, dried fruit, suet, sugar, spice and milk. The name ‘clootie’ comes from the cloth that the mixture is traditionally wrapped in before boiling.
Sampling some freshly caught seafood is a must while you are in the Highlands. With sometimes only a few hours passing between it being landed from the boat to reaching your plate you really will be able to taste the freshness! You will find excellent seafood restaurants at most of the coastal towns and villages along with some great fish and chip shops too!
When it comes to sampling local beers you will find that most local pubs will have a good selection of bottled beers and real ales from one of more of the four Highland breweries; Black Isle Brewery, Cairngorm Brewery, An Teallach Brewery and the Isle of Skye Brewery.
When travelling in the more remote areas of the Highlands, it is always advisable to try and plan ahead when it comes to food and drink – and be aware that a lot of restaurants tend to stop taking orders between 8pm and 9pm so try to factor that in to your timings and plans. With so many great picnic locations around the Highlands, preparing lunch with produce from local farmers markets and delicatessens always works well if you have self-catering facilities. You will also find that many B&Bs and hotels will offer a packed lunch service that you can pre-order so it’s ready for you in the morning for your onward journey.
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