The busy counter of Dollar’s Deli, Clackmannanshire
If you base your ideas about Scottish food and drink on comedians and clichéd journalism, you might just think that we Scots live on a diet of haggis, deep-fried Mars Bars, and the occasional fish supper. Don’t be taken in: Scotland is full to bursting with a fabulous home-grown cuisine that uses traditional produce like venison, beef and salmon as well as exciting new tastes created by the independent breweries, chocolatiers and bakers springing up across Scotland. In 2015, Scotland’s Year of Food and drink, there’s never been a better time for a food tour.
The River Tay at Dunkeld, bringing salmon to menus throughout the region
Perthshire: Offering unrivalled fishing, it’s no surprise that Perthshire’s rivers and lochs have influenced the restaurants in this area. Since the River Tay is widely regarded to be one of the best places in Europe to catch Atlantic salmon, you’ll see this fish offered on menus throughout the region, amongst other freshwater catches. Those who enjoy seafood will not be disappointed either; the neighbouring Kingdom of Fife has a long seafaring tradition, and provides high quality crab, lobster and prawns to Perthshire. If craft beer is more your thing, then be sure to taste some of the ales at the acclaimed Inveralmond Brewery in Perth, and the Moulin Inn Microbrewery in Pitlochry. Those with a sweet tooth can create their own chocolates or learn the craft of cake decorating at Taystful in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. For the best whistle-stop tour of Perthshire’s produce, including beef, venison, cheeses, preserves, oils, artisan breads, sweets, chocolates and much more, head to the city’s award-winning Farmers Market. This takes place every 1st Saturday of the month in King Edward Street and St John’s Place, Perth, from 9am to 2pm. There is no market in January but there are two in December, on the first and third Saturdays.
Deanston Distillery, Doune, just a few miles from Stirling
Stirlingshire: If you want to explore brewing and distilling and don’t want to travel too far, Stirling is your base. Breweries who provide (or can arrange) tours for visitors include the Allanwater Brewhouse in Bridge of Allan and the Fallen Brewery in Kippen. Is it whisky you’re after? You can both tour and sample in Deanston Distillery, in Doune, just eight miles from Stirling. Expect the same warm welcome at Tullibardine Distillery, just 14 miles from Stirling, though do phone ahead on 01764 661809. Glengoyne Distillery lies just 26 miles from Stirling city centre in Dumgoyne, near Killearn and has been described ‘best whisky tour’ by The Sunday Times. For Stirling’s largest selection of Scotch Whiskies, gins, vodka, liqueurs and beers all in one place, as well as daily whisky tastings, head to Stirling Whisky Shop. Great British Bake-off fans should head to the beautiful town of Callander, just a short drive from Stirling, for bakeries and cafés galore, or relax in the historic surroundings of John Cowane’s Coffee House in the heart of Stirling’s Old Town. For great deli goods from small, spoecialist suppliers, don’t miss Dollar’s Deli in Clackmannanshire And if you want to get an idea of the finest produce the region has to offer all in one place, head to Stirling Farmers Market, Port Street, Stirling, on the second Saturday of every month (except January).
2015 is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. To find out more, find traditional recipes and to create your very own food tours, visit: http://www.visitscotland.com/about/food-drink/
Picture credits:
- River Tay: Gwen and James Anderson [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Common
- Deanston Distillery: Author: Eileen Henderson [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
- Dollar’s Deli: Kindly supplies by Dollar’s Deli.