The land of whisky, haggis and world-renowned seafood, Scotland’s love for artisan produce offers unrivalled inspiration when it comes to craft gifts. Why not support local businesses and small scale production with our list of amazing food and drink gifts from Scotland’s artisans?
Isle of Harris Gin
Produced in the remote Outer Hebrides, the Isle of Harris Gin is designed with its natural environment in mind.
The flavour is crafted using local botanicals such as sugar kelp, a seaweed which generously grows around the island and gives the gin its distinctive maritime taste. The iconic bottle evokes the elements of the island and its inherent connection with the sea.
Isle of Mull Cheese
The perfect gift for all the cheese lovers out there – Isle of Mull Cheese is produced in a small family farm situated on the beautiful Isle of Mull. Here, the process follows traditional methods using only natural ingredients and the freshest of milk from the farm cows.
Our favourite picks are the Isle of Mull Traditional Farmhouse Cheese and the Hebridean Blue.
Scottish Craft Beers
Whisky may well be Scotland’s most famous drink, but Scotland also has a strong brewing heritage. Scotland is home to more than 100 independent breweries, each with their own unique style and character.
Head to one of the many independent bottle shops dotted around the country and be amazed by the quality and quantity of different craft beers available. From organic beer produced by the Black Isle Brewery to the experimental products of Drygate Distillery and the fresh flavours of Tempest Brewing Co, you’ll be spoilt for choice!
Miod Raw Honey
Specialising in raw and unfiltered honey from their beehive in Perthshire, Miod Raw Honey has been producing honey for over 60 years. With their first shop in Edinburgh just opened in October 2019, Miod Raw Honey is becoming a favourite amongst natural food enthusiasts.
Amongst the multitude of different and inspiring flavours such as Raw Buckwheat Honey and Gingerbread Honey, you’ll find fantastic gift sets to treat your loved ones.
East Coast Cured Charcuterie
Edinburgh based East Coast Cured is a family-run charcuterie shop tucked away in bustling Leith. Here you’ll find the best of Scottish dry-cured meats produced by hand, with a vast range of products, from classic pancetta to Aberdeen Angus bresaola and venison salami.
Stornoway Black Pudding
A staple of Scottish cuisine, a visit to Scotland is not complete without sampling the world-famous Stornoway black pudding.
For a less than ordinary present, you can buy a Black Pudding Gift Box from the famous Charles Macleod Shop on the Isle of Lewis, also available online.
Single Malt Whisky
Scotland’s most famous and exported product needs no introduction. With over 100 active distilleries, whisky production is booming but still retains its artisanal spirit.
With so many brands and expressions, choosing the perfect present can be overwhelming. For a smaller-scale production, Edradour whisky is produced in one of the smallest distilleries in Scotland and one of the few farm distilleries still active.
For a sweeter treat, Arran Gold Cream Liqueur is the Scottish alternative to Baileys, made in the independent Isle of Arran Distillery.
Isle of Arran Products
Famous for its craft products, the Isle of Arran offers a vast array of gift ideas and artisan-made delicacies, like mouthwatering flavoured cheddar from The Arran Cheese Shop. Other award-winning products include the chutneys, preserves and mustards of Arran Fine Foods and the famous Wooleys of Arran oatcakes.
Smoked Salmon from Inveraw Smokehouse
Scotland is world-renowned for its high-quality seafood and shellfish, with smoked Scottish salmon being one of its most beloved delicacies.
You can buy the best of Scottish smoked salmon at Inveraw Smokehouse located in the West of Scotland by Loch Etive. This smokehouse uses traditional techniques to convey bold smokey flavours.
Isle of Mull Biscuits
Another delicacy from the Isle of Mull, these handmade organic biscuits are a great present for everyone with a sweet tooth. With a relatively small range of 6 different flavours, the Island Bakery on Mull focuses on quality over quantity and uses only the best natural ingredients.
We’re Hungry!
To support local Scottish businesses and satisfy your tastebuds, you can purchase all these products online, and when 2021 comes around the corner, remember to save this shopping list for your next Scottish adventure!
P.S. Established in Edinburgh in 2004, Absolute Escapes are award-winning specialists in self-drive holidays in Scotland. Our team have turned our love of exploring Scotland into our day job – we know exactly where to find the best accommodation, the best food and drink experiences, and how to turn your trip into an unforgettable one. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we help you plan your trip to Scotland and get your closer to buying all these goodies!
