The Scottish Highlands make up a huge area that’s almost as big as Belgium. Well-known spots include Inverness, Glencoe, Fort William, Loch Ness, plus islands like Skye and Lewis. UK landscapes don’t get much more epic, with turquoise lochs, ancient munros, castles and ruins dotted around the rugged terrain. It’s heaven for people who love the outdoors and thanks to the vast and varied environment, home to incredible produce and a number of legendary Scottish dishes, drinks and ingredients. Chef Danny Young from The Torridon hotel gives us eight things to try when visiting this epic location.
1. Hand-dived scallops
Scallops are in abundance in many lochs – try to seek out the hand-dived variety as those that are industrially trawled will be grittier. To serve, you can’t beat a grilled or seared scallop with a crunchy golden crust, drenched in butter and served in the shell.
2. Stornoway black pudding
Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.
Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides is home to its own signature black pudding. Firmer than your average and packed with oatmeal, seasoning and spices, it’s an essential on a full Scottish breakfast (alongside haggis and potato cake), and fries up a treat.
3. Scottish strawberries
Unlike their English counterparts, Scottish strawberries don’t come into season until after Wimbledon – usually July – thanks to the colder climate and soil. Picked at their best, they are incredibly sweet and flavoursome. They need very little playing around with – just a dab of cream if you fancy.
4. Langoustines
Like scallops, langoustines are plentiful in the waters of the highlands. Sweet, juicy and super fresh, the best option is to have them cooked simply to enjoy their natural flavour. Grilled, barbecued or poached are all great options, served with garlic butter and soft herbs.
5. Shortbread
Buttery shortbread is a nostalgic favourite across the UK and proper Scottish shortbread is exceptional in its simplicity. It’s just a few ingredients – sugar, butter and flour – thrown together to create something magical and an essential accompaniment to a cup of tea.
6. Scotch whisky
Distilleries dot the landscape of the Highlands. If a ‘wee dram’ isn’t usually your thing, your best bet is to do a tour or course to talk you through the rich and varied world of Scotch, from lighter malts through to peaty beasts. Scottish cheese is a great accompaniment to this iconic spirit.
7. Fresh fish
Some of the best restaurants in the Highlands will have a menu centred around fish. Stocks can fluctuate – Atlantic salmon is currently on the endangered list for example – so think about sustainability. Wild trout, John Dory and plaice are all native species and best served very simply.
8. Venison
A sustainable choice thanks to its abundance, venison meat from one of the Highland estates is always worth trying, especially if it’s been dry-aged and has good fat marbling for extra tenderness. It can withstand very bold flavours and is fantastic paired with fruit, like robust and rich blackberries.
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