"I have designed and driven, or guided so many tours in Scotland, it's hard to count them! But, each time I am away on tour, or even taking time to explore myself, I am amazed at the expertise of the chefs around the country, not only in star restaurants, but small family restaurants and pubs. This has persuaded me to design a very special tour where I know you will enjoy the cuisine, some you will need a shirt and tie to dine, whereas others, jeans are fine! So then, here is my ultimate food and drink tour of Scotland". PAUL MCLEAN,  Senior Partner MCLEANSCOTLAND.

 

www.inveralmond-brewery.co.uk A Perth brewery. www.blackislebrewery.com  north of Inverness www.bridgeofallan.co.uk near Stirling      

www.mclelland.co.uk Scottish cheeses - superb!

www.caledonian-cheese.co.uk www.islandcheese.co.uk                              www.connage.co.uk                         www.inverlochcheese.com                               www.oqfd.co.uk

Your tour starts at Edinburgh or Glasgow whichever is best for you. The first location on the trip is Inveraray, passing Loch Lomond en route. The hotel is a wee gem, friends of mine own this and I am sure you will love it as much as I do by the time you leave. "The emphasis on the menu is using the very best of local quality, well hung West Highland beef and lamb. Seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. These ingredients are used imaginatively and simply to produce well cooked meals at a fair and reasonable price". I couldn't agree more, having dined here many times, the choice is good and anything from a fish supper (fish and chips) to Char grilled collops of wild Argyll venison with figs stuffed with goat’s cheese and walnuts served on red cabbage with fondant potatoes and red wine bitter sweet chocolate sauce. Och, heaven!

DAY 2 sees you exploring the local area for the many historic sites and glorious Argyll scenery. Not to mention superb food stops, the pub at Kilmartin is great for better than average pub food, tried it myself!  Other noteable stops include; Tayvallich Inn, Nr Lochgilphead, Argyll. Tel: 01546 870282 EXCELLENT SEAFOOD!  The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar on Loch fyne, not only great food, they have a superb shop too! Another night at Inveraray, och aye, by the way, their bar is so well stocked with beer, real ales, whisky and spirits and wine, you will do as most people do, just stare at the bar for ten minutes before ordering!

DAY 3 ah, off to my birthplace; Oban, capital of Scottish seafood and rightly so, two excellent restaurants here EE USK & THE SEAFOOD TEMPLE. If it's seafood you want, look no further. In fact so good you need to stay the night, so why not consider a wee sail before dinner? I love Oban.

DAY 4 away east to Inverness passing through the Great Glen (inc Loch Ness). Here there is so much choice for you, great wee pubs with excellent pub food, to sublime restaurants such as Mustard seed http://themustardseedrestaurant.co.uk    www.abstractrestaurant.co.uk   www.castletavern.net run by Maclean's. www.rocpoolrestaurant.com                    

Of course we stay over tonight.

DAY 5 as we are so close, it has to be done! A Speyside whisky day out! With names such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan and many, many more, you are approx 70 minutes drive away from the largest whisky collection of distilleries in Scotland. We know some good restaurants too! Overnight again here.

DAY 6 ah, doon to Perthshire where I live just now. What choices we have here for you, not only excellent accommodation, but more whisky distilleries, wee breweries and fine restaurants. I live in Perth and here we have pubs galore and superb restaurants too. The Bothy, Deans, Tay Street to name a few, pubs; A personal favourite; near Perth www.theroosrestaurant.co.uk  

DAY 7 one more day and night here in Perthshire. On the first Saturday of each month, Perth has a farmers market, run by a good friend of mine, you will find produce here so fresh and tasty, you wish to eat it there and then, and, you can do! Try this www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk

WHISKY and whisky cocktails, not just for the expert, whisky is for everyone to enjoy.

DAY 8 and so to our Capital; Edinburgh. So many options here for sightseeing, dining and tasting, it's unbelievable! One of my favourites has to be the Dome on George Street, everything about it feels right. www.thedomeedinburgh.com www.fishersbistros.co.uk www.haldanesrestaurant.com www.thewitchery.com

The tour ends here, or does it? We can easily add more dates for you.

On each specially designed tour we offer, we work with you to get the very best of Scotland and match your requests making a truly memorable trip, one to talk about and come back for more. Each tour is priced for your itinerary and is special to you. Please note; the photographs do not always correspond with the text and are for image reference only. On each tour we do try and persuade you to try HAGGIS, why, there is even a vegetarian haggis. www.macsween.co.uk

SCOTLAND is famous for so many things, amongst the top products are whisky, seafood and fresh fruits!

Try these superb foodie sites;

 www.scottishfood.com

www.scottishhampers.co.uk

 

www.macleansbakery.com  A superb Scottish family bakery in the Highlands, I sample their products almost every week, you should try them!