Food and drink trails in Scotland

One of the best ways to experience many of Scotland’s delicious products is by following one of the many fantastic dedicated food trails.

Scotland is home to many award-winning breweries that produce unique and distinctive real ales using natural ingredients and traditional methods.

Discover the art of brewing and sample a few beers on Scotland’s Real Ale Trail. The trail links nine independent breweries across the country together, from the west coast to the Northern Isles. You can sample the chocolate notes of Dun Hogs Head at Islay Ales or the light and refreshing White Wife ale produced by the Valhalla Brewery in Shetland.

If you love the flavours of the sea then the west coast Seafood Trail is a must for discovering some of the region’s best seafood restaurants including the renowned Loch Fyne Oyster Bar in Cairndow and the Pierhouse Hotel, Appin. Watch the fresh catch being landed by fishermen straight from the boats and savour oysters and mussels, juicy langoustines and a huge variety of fish.

Cheese lovers can create an itinerary to make their mouths water with the help of the Scottish Cheese Trail, which lists just some of the independent producers across the country. Many of the dairies welcome visitors for behind-the-scenes tours to see their delicacies being produced. Try the full-flavoured cheeses produced by the Island Smokery on Orkney and discover Whitmuir the Organic Place’s intriguing ‘edible and boozy hedge’ in West Linton.

Immerse yourself in the world of Scotch whisky as you follow the Malt Whisky Trail, the only trail of its kind in the world. Find out more about the fascinating distilling process and unique malt flavours as you explore the country’s most famous whisky region. Visit some of the oldest and distinguished distilleries in the world from Strathisla to Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet to Cardhu. Also featured on the trail is the UK's last working cooperage at the Speyside Cooperage where you can watch real craftsman work with speed and skill.

If you want to try a few of Scotland’s bars and pubs but don’t know where to start, take a look at the City Drinking guides which are full of hints and recommendations for some of the cities’ best establishments and local night spots.