Taste perfection

If you thought that the only way to appreciate Scotland’s rich culinary heritage was to sit down to a fine meal, then you might have to think again. VisitScotland’s new Perfect Experiences website will help you discover your ideal food and drink-themed trip: whether it’s following the Whisky Coast, learning cookery tips from culinary experts, exploring the Highlands and Islands with a gourmet slant, or a few indulgent days staying at one of its renowned stately homes or sporting estates. These are just a few of the unique and inspiring ideas awaiting visitors on the website, which will guarantee an authentic taste of Scotland that you might not know exists.

Gourmets will love a Farmers’ Market break at Edinburgh’s elegant Bonham Hotel. Visit the city’s acclaimed farmers’ market in the company of the hotel’s executive chef, Michel Bouyer, who will share with you his top tips for turning your chosen ingredients into a mouth-watering dinner.

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Those seeking breathtaking natural scenery served up with some delicious food can get off the beaten track with Wild Green Travel on one of its innovative tailor-made gastronomic tours. Highlights of its three-day trip around the Highlands and the Isle of Skye include feasting on fish plucked straight from the sea, learning some new culinary skills, and perfecting the art of shucking scallops, as well as foraging for seaweed along the shoreline of the Isle of Skye.

If you would rather someone else did all the work, head for the stunning surroundings of the 7,000-acre Kinnaird Hotel and Sporting Estate in Perthshire, where you can enjoy an array of special gourmet events designed to make the most of the flavoursome local produce available on the estate.

Those with a passion for unearthing only the finest locally sourced food, can also spend an indulgent few days enjoying the Bute Food Experience at Nether Stravannan on the Isle of Bute, where your own personal chef will cook up a storm using ingredients such as freshly caught fish and local cheeses. The highlight of your visit will surely be dinner at Mount Stuart, Scotland’s most stunning stately home.

Ever wondered what it takes to create the perfect malt whisky? Find out with a hands-on master-blending lesson at one of Scotland’s most celebrated producers, the historic Glengoyne Distillery, a short drive from Glasgow. Get an in-depth tour of the distillery as well as the chance to take home your very own 100ml bottle of whisky, which you can blend with the help of one of the in-house experts.

Or, take to the water and join Scottish Yacht Charter on a novel Whisky Trail cruise, which wends its way through the stunning scenery of the Inner Hebrides onboard the luxurious cruiser, “Shingleback”. Visit the acclaimed distilleries on the islands of Jura and Islay, where, as well as discovering the secrets and flavours of Scotland’s national tipple, you can soak up the awe-inspiring landscape and wildlife slipping by along the way.

Suffice to say, your perfect experience will ensure all the ideal ingredients for a memorable and authentic stay.

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