Scotland’s Most Iconic Dish?

A Taste of Tradition, History and Highland Pride

"Scottish food feeds the soul, but haggis tells its story - bold, humble, and proudly made from the heart."

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Cooked sliced open Naggis with Neeps and Tatties - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:-

• Scotland’s Most Iconic Dish?

• From Burns to Barrie: A Scottish Literary Journey Through Museums and Historic Houses

• Around the Web: Bringing Scotland’s endangered cuisine out of the home and into the restaurant; What are Arbroath Smokies; Mythical Places of Scotland and more…

• Everything you need to know about visiting the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: The Mull of Kintyre

• Scottish Food You Will Love: Haggis, Fried Mars Bars and More

• Coo Wee: Scotland the Brave

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Scotland’s Most Iconic Dish?

Haggis, that legendary pudding made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs) mixed with oatmeal, suet, and spices, all packed into a sheep's stomach (aye, or artificial casing nowadays), has ancient roots. The earliest references go as far back as the 15th century. It was a practical dish for preserving meat and making use of every part of the animal—what we now fondly call "nose-to-tail eating."

But while folk often assume it’s uniquely Scottish, similar dishes existed across Europe. What set Scotland apart is how we embraced it as a national symbol. Robert Burns immortalised haggis in his 1787 poem "Address to a Haggis", turning it from humble fare into a cultural icon.

But it's not the only famous dish in Scotland. There are many others that people love just as much. For example, there's Scotch broth, a thick soup made with barley and vegetables. Then there's Cullen skink, a creamy soup made with smoked haddock. Arbroath smokies are whole haddock smoked over oak wood, using an old traditional method. And for something sweet, there’s cranachan, a dessert made with raspberries, cream, honey, oats, and a bit of whisky. While haggis is probably the best-known, these dishes show how rich and creative Scottish cooking really is.

Have you tried Haggis yet? - Shutterstock

From Burns to Barrie: A Scottish Literary Journey Through Museums and Historic Houses

Set off on a story-filled adventure through Scotland, where every turn of the road feels like turning the page of a great book. Here, literary landmarks aren’t just for bookworms—they're for anyone who loves a good tale. Step into the world of Scotland’s most beloved writers, from the cosy cottages where poets like Robert Burns were born, to grand monuments honouring legends like Sir Walter Scott. Whether you're wandering through the landscapes that inspired Peter Pan or soaking up the words of Scotland’s great storytellers, you’ll find yourself wrapped up in a living, breathing story that’s uniquely Scottish.

The Writers Museum - Love to Visit Scotland

Around The Web

Bringing Scotland’s endangered cuisine out of the home and into the restaurant

Delicious Scottish fare meets warm Glaswegian hospitality at The Ubiquitous Chip on Ashton Lane. Since 1971, founder Ronnie Clydesdale has championed local ingredients, proudly naming suppliers like Oban-landed hake and Ramsay’s of Carluke bacon—an idea once seen as bold, even daft.

What are Arbroath Smokies?

Like Champagne or Parma Ham, Arbroath Smokies can only be made within five miles of Arbroath town centre. The traditional smoking method is tightly protected, ensuring every fish is the real deal. Golden brown on the outside, the inside reveals creamy, delicately smoked flesh with a hint of sweetness—truly a flavour you have to taste to believe.

Makars is a Must!

Makars Gourmet Mash Bar in Edinburgh serves up tradition with a twist, offering hearty Scottish classics in creative new ways. Voted one of the city's best restaurants, it’s a local favourite. Half the restaurant is kept open for walk-ins—so you’ve still got a fair shot at a table, even without a booking.

The world’s tallest distillery in Edinburgh’s historic port

The Port Leith Whisky Distillery 90-minute tour takes you inside the striking building to discover how whisky is made, from grain to glass. Hear the inspiring story of two locals who turned a dream into reality, fill your own miniature bottle, and enjoy a guided tasting of their unique spirit range. A must-do for whisky lovers and curious travellers alike.

Edinburgh’s oldest bars and pubs

Step into one of Edinburgh’s historic pubs, where old-world charm meets good cheer. These legendary spots have poured pints for poets, philosophers, and curious travellers for centuries—and the stories (and the whisky) are still flowing!

Mythical Places of Scotland

Scotland is a land where history and myth intertwine, where misty lochs, ancient standing stones, and rugged landscapes have inspired tales of legendary creatures, fairies, and ghosts for centuries. From the depths of Loch Ness, where a mysterious monster is said to lurk, to the eerie Callanish Standing Stones, believed to be giants turned to stone, Scotland’s landscapes are filled with stories waiting to be uncovered.

Fingal’s Cave - Shutterstock

Top Experiences In Scotland Likely To Sell Out

2024 is going to be a busy year - Here is a list of the top experiences that will most likely sell out and you should book in advance. Don’t delay!

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

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From Social Media

At the southern tip of the Kintyre Peninsula, the Mull of Kintyre is a place of rugged beauty, sweeping sea views, and rich history. On a clear day, you can see across the water to Northern Ireland, just 12 miles away.

Scottish Food You Will Love

Haggis, Fried Mars Bars and More

Coo Wee

Scotland the Brave

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