What is Clapshot?

Orkney’s Beloved Mash of Tatties and Neeps

“Scottish food doesn’t fuss — it fills you, warms you, and sets you right again.”

Today’s email presented by

---

In today’s email:-

• What is Clapshot?

• The Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland Islands… which one first?

• Around the Web: The Arbroath Smokie Trail; Dine with the Tide; Scotland’s Lochs Hold More Than Water and more…

• Is Moving to Scotland a Good Idea - A comprehensive guide

• Experiences Likely To Sell Out

• From Love Scotland Community: “No ice! Putting ice in whiskey is alcohol abuse…”

• Scottish Food You Will Love: How to Make Scottish Lentil Soup

• Coo Wee: Your daily dose of #coowisdom

---

What is Clapshot?

Orkney’s Beloved Mash of Tatties and Neeps

👉 Get the recipe

There are few dishes that sum up Scottish thrift and warmth like Clapshot, a creamy mix of potatoes and turnips (or swedes) traditionally served with haggis, mince, or roast meats. Though it’s enjoyed all over Scotland, it’s in Orkney that this hearty side dish truly belongs — it’s said to have originated there in the 18th century, where crofters combined their simple root crops to make something greater than the sum of its parts. 👉 Get the recipe

Have you ever tried proper Scottish Clapshot — or is this the first time you’ve heard of it?

Clapshot, Orkney’s Beloved Mash of Tatties and Neeps

👉 Want deep dives into Scotland every Sunday? Our premium readers already have their next edition waiting!

👉 Christmas in Edinburgh isn’t just beautiful — it feels enchanted from the moment the lights switch on. Read more about Christmas in Edinburgh here!

---

Scotland’s Best Road Trips

Scenic roads, historic landmarks, Highland coos, and unforgettable adventures across Scotland

👉 Read the full story

Scotland is one of the finest places on earth to hit the open road, with routes that sweep past cliffs, castles, glens, and coastlines that stop you in your tracks. From northern lights nights in the far north to quiet roads through centuries-old landscapes, every mile feels like a story waiting to be told. Thanks to Scotland’s compact size, you can slip from lively cities into true wilderness in just a couple of hours—no endless highways, no wasted days, just pure adventure.

Whether you’re chasing big views or simply enjoying the freedom to pull over when a Highland coo wanders past, Scotland’s roads make it wonderfully easy. Well-marked routes, scenic byways, and even the quirky single-track lanes give every journey its own charm. 👉 Read the full story

Which Scottish road would you love to drive first?

Meet the adorable and fluffy Highland Coos on the North Coast 500 Route - Love to Visit Scotland

Around the Web

The Arbroath Smokie Trail

The Arbroath Smokie is haddock smoked over hardwood in the traditional method used in and around the fishing town of Arbroath. Protected by PGI status, it can only be made within five miles of the town using the specified process. Today it’s a celebrated Scottish delicacy enjoyed by visitors, chefs, and anyone following the Arbroath Smokie Trail.

Dine with the Tide

Step into the coastal elegance of The Foveran, where fresh shellfish and Scottish fare meet sweeping views of Scapa Flow. This family-run gem combines comfortable sophistication with a warm Orcadian welcome. Savour slow-cooked lamb, hand-dived scallops or locally sourced fish, all in a setting that feels both refined and home-grown.

A Proper Scottish Plate at Howies

Howies is a family-run Scottish restaurant that’s well appreciated for its use of Scottish produce and traditional fare. Reviewers highlight their haggis, neeps & tatties as a standout, making it a reliable choice for a genuine Scottish meal.

Glasgow’s Grand New-Old Pub

Housed in a former bank on St Vincent Street, this pub combines a touch of grandeur with proper pub fare, cask ales and hearty Scottish classics — a great place for relaxing and trying something simple but satisfying.

More than a Scone

You can enjoy far more than a simple scone at Scone Palace, thanks to its coffee shop and Old Kitchen serving dishes made with produce grown in the palace’s own kitchen garden. Visitors can relax beside the original Victorian range, explore seasonal menus, or even book private dining in the elegant Murray Rooms. It’s a warm, local-food experience set inside one of Scotland’s most historic estates.

The Hebrides, Orkney or Shetland Islands… which one first?

Each shaped by wind, waves, and stories older than kingdoms

👉 Read the full story

Across the north and west, Scotland’s wild islands feel like the edge of the map — places where land and sea blend together, and time seems to ease its pace. From Hebridean crofts and Orkney’s ancient stone circles to the Viking echoes still felt in Shetland, each island holds its own character, shaped by centuries of resilience and community. Wildlife roams the cliffs, old traditions still guide daily life, and every horizon feels like it has a story to share. 👉 Read the full story

Have you explored any of Scotland’s islands yet — or which one is calling your name?

Puffins are brilliant little hunters, and they specialise in small, schooling fish they can catch close to the surface.

---

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!

👉 Not subscribed to the daily newsletter for FREE yet? Pop your email address in right here so you don’t miss out!

👉 Read more: Is Retiring in Scotland a Dream or a Real Possibility?

---

From the Love Scotland Community

• “No ice! Putting ice in whiskey is alcohol abuse. Straight up…” - Penny Conaway Garthe

• “Apparently there is a special pit put aside in Hell for those who put anything in neat whisky” - David Bailey

• “Iain Son, Whiskies like women, they,re all beautiful, just somes more beautiful than others. but once Ye find a gooden that suits Ye, stick wid it” - Iain Lindsley

• “It’s for sipping NOT for gulping” - Ryan McDonagh

• “Sip it slowly, savour it. Don’t ruin it with ice. A single drop of water can open it up, but no more.” - Diane Ell-Gee

• “Whisky is spelled whisky. Whiskey is a different drink. I only drink whisky, never whiskey” - Göran Ahl

• “Open your mouth slightly when you nose it.” - Kimberly Gibbs Fordham

• “Enjoy it in any way that suits your taste, regardless of what experts, traditions or anyone else says. It’s your experience that matters.” - Mikke Holmberg

---

Scottish Recipe of the Week:- How to Make Scottish Lentil Soup

Scotland’s most beloved winter soup — rich, simple, and full of character.

Few smells warm a Scottish home like a pot of lentil soup gently simmering on the hob. Generations have relied on it through long winters — an honest meal made from what every household had to hand: a few root vegetables, a scoop of red lentils, and maybe a leftover ham bone if you were lucky.

From Glasgow to Aberdeenshire, every family swears their version is best. Some add a smoked ham hough for a deep savoury flavour; others keep it vegetarian, letting the lentils do the thickening. Either way, this humble soup is a reminder of how Scotland turns simple ingredients into something that feeds both body and spirit. Get the recipe below!

---

Coo Wee

Wisdom straight from a coo... #coowisdom

Thank you for reading Love Scotland— your support allows us to keep doing this work. If you enjoy Love Scotland, it would mean the world to us if you invited friends to and read with us. If you refer friends, you will receive benefits that give you special access to Love Scotland.