My father arrived in Australia from Glasgow after WWII, with roots stretching from the Outer Hebrides to the Highland glens. I’ve been captivated by his homeland since I first set foot in it, and have eaten and drunk my way around it often. Now I’m sharing it on my Scottish food tours. Ready to be a traveller, not a tourist?
Scotland's capital is one of Europe's most rewarding food cities, and small enough to explore on foot. From Michelin-starred fine diners in the waterfront suburb of Leith to the exceptional gastropubs, wine bars and candlelit basement speakeasies of Stockbridge – not forgetting Valvona & Crolla, the iconic Italian deli shaping local tastes since 1934 – Edinburgh is a serious food lover's city.
Scottish seafood is among the world's best: langoustines, oysters, hand-dived scallops and smoked fish. Add to this venison and other wild game; lamb and beef raised on wild Highland herbs; a revived artisanal cheese scene; and foraged mushrooms, berries and other wild foods, and you have a natural larder without equal. Then there's the world-famous whisky and evolving boutique gin scene! Let's go!
Glasgow is a city where delicious food comes without ceremony – brilliant seafood restaurants, legendary curry houses that have earned the city 'Curry Capital of Britain' status, inventive tasting menus, and neighbourhood bistros where the cooking is every bit as inspired as the welcome is warm and relaxed. Scotland's most sociable city has never been more delicious.
I’ve personally visited every restaurant, producer and hotel on my food tours of Scotland. You’ll meet the people behind Scotland’s finest seafood, cheese and spirits – from an oyster farmer on Loch Creran to a family-owned Speyside distillery – in a small group of fellow food and wine lovers, with every meal included.
Highland Seafood & Spirits is the main event: 10 days in the Highlands, from Perthshire and Speyside to West Argyll and the Isle of Mull.
Edinburgh and Glasgow are 4-day city experiences, perfect before or after the Highlands for a more comprehensive taste of Scotland.
My food tours in Scotland are in early September – when oysters return to the menu, the game season is in full swing and the Highlands glow with heather.
Spirits are a highlight rather than the focus of my tours.
We’ll visit a family-owned Speyside distillery and one of Scotland’s best whisky bars – plus we’ll discover the boutique gins reshaping Scotland’s spirits scene.
We’ll taste our way around the Scottish regions with a different local whisky or gin each evening.
Being on tour with me is like travelling with a small group of food-loving friends.
Discover all the details – from accommodation and restaurant style to catering for dietary requirements and travelling solo – in the FAQ on my Food & Wine Tours page.
