Scottish food

A Full Scottish Breakfast (with Black Pudding)

You may have heard of a Full English or even a Full Irish, but a Full Scottish is made different by the presence of black pudding (British blood sausage) and 'tattie scones' (potato cakes). Make sure that when you're buying breakfast, you get these Scottish delicacies with your bacon, sausage eggs and beans.   

Scotch Whisky

Whisky is so important in Scotland that the distilling process is protected by law. All Scotch whisky has to be left to age in an oak barrel for at least three years and there are strict rules about labelling whisky too. It's no surprise then, that Scottish whisky is some of the best in the world. 

Haggis

Haggis is Scotland's national dish which is featured in menus around the country. Traditionally made from heart, liver, lungs, onions, suet and spices boiled in a sheep's stomach, it's true that Haggis isn't for everyone but it's so typically Scottish that you simply have to try it.

Neeps and Tatties

Simply put, 'neeps and tatties' are mashed potatoes and swedes (a root vegetable common in Scotland). If you're trying haggis the traditional way during your trip, you'll definitely come across 'neeps and tatties' too. 

Shortbread

This buttery biscuit was first mentioned in a Scottish print recipe in 1736 and is now one of the country's favourite treats. While you can eat shortbread in Scotland at any time of year, it is most often associated with Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year's Eve). If you're looking for a gift to bring back to your family, there's nothing better than a tin of Scottish shortbread. 

Cullen Skink

With a coastline thousands of miles long, it's no surprise that Scotland is famous for a number of fish dishes. One you'll definitely come across is Cullen Skink, a milky Scottish stew made from smoked haddock and potatoes. This warming soup is normally served as a starter alongside a crusty bread roll and is the perfect treat on a winter's day.  

Irn Bru

The Scottish competitor to giants like Coca Cola and Fanta, Irn Bru is a carbonated drink that is known for its bright orange colour and peculiar flavour. The drink was first introduced in 1901 as a way to stop steelworkers drinking too much beer on the job and is now so popular it's known as the country's second drink (after whisky, of course). 

Deep-Fried Mars Bar

Caramel, nougat, chocolate and... deep-fried batter? After it's creation in the early 2000s, the deep-fried Mars Bar has become a staple of chip shops around the country, and while it may not be the healthiest snack, it is the perfect indulgent treat.

Classic Cranachan

A traditional Scottish dessert that was originally a celebration of the raspberry harvest, Cranachan is a wonderful combination of fresh berries, cream, oats and whisky. The best thing about this summery treat is that it's very easily made at home, which you can find out how to do with this simple Cranachan recipe.