7 Regional Scottish Dishes To Try On Holiday!

There’s one thing that really does ring true when you’re on a West Highland walking tour - you’re going to build up something of an appetite!



All that fresh air and exercise will have your tummies rumbling before you know it, so we thought we’d come up with a little list of some traditional Scottish fare for you to try as a reward for all that hiking up hill and down dale. Enjoy!

Clootie dumpling

This delicious little treat is made from flour, dried fruit, suet, breadcrumbs, milk, sugar and spice, then wrapped up in a cloth and left to simmer in a pan of boiling water before being dried in the oven or sat in front of a roaring fire. Definitely one to try before you head home again.

Cullen skink

A traditional soup, Cullen skin is a hugely popular dish featuring onions, haddock and potatoes. It’s also quite easy to make so if you’re particularly enamoured with it you’re sure to be able to recreate the magic once you’ve left this beautiful part of the UK.

Cranachan

Got a bit of a sweet tooth? Then give cranachan a go. It’s made up of raspberries, cream, honey, toasted oatmeal and the crowning glory - Scottish whisky! The perfect end to a perfect day spent exploring the Scottish countryside.

Kedgeree

Those of you who love your fish dishes simply must try kedgeree before going home again. The dish consists of haddock, eggs, parsley, sultanas, curry powdered rice and cream. It’s traditionally eaten at breakfast time but once you’ve tried it, you’ll be wanting it again and again, no matter what time of day it is.

Dundee cake

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this cake originated in Dundee and is still massively popular in this part of Scotland, as it is throughout the rest of the country as well. Apparently, it was inspired by Mary, Queen of Scots who discovered one day that she simply did not like cherries in her fruitcake. It’s made - minus the cherries - using candied peel, almonds and sultanas, and is a really rich treat that just begs to be eaten.

Arbroath smokies

These were first devised in a sleepy little fishing village called Auchmithie, just outside Arbroath, with the fish traditionally smoked in halved barrels over a fire, with the smoke trapped under layers of hessian sacking. An authentic smokie is made using haddock so make sure you seek out genuine examples on your travels.

Scottish tablet

Similar to fudge, tablet is an absolute must-try for anyone on holiday in Scotland. Apparently, it was first made mention of in The Household Book of Lady Grisell Baillie at the start of the 18th century so if you’re after a really traditional treat, you’ve found it right here.