Weekend days out

Scotland’s favourite 15 fish and chip shops

0141 638 9169 www.catchfishandchips.co.uk Open: Every day 5pm-10.30pm 0131 557 2580 www.lalbadoro.com Open: Every day 12pm-10pm www.thebayfishandchips.co.uk

NOTHING says summer quite like a fresh fish supper wrapped in newspaper. With that in mind, we have selected some of the best places across the country to get your fish fix: some traditional and some that give the chippy a more modern spin. Either way, you won’t be disappointed – even if it comes in one of those horrible plastic boxes.

1. CROMARS, ST ANDREWS Where: 1 Union Street, St Andrews, Fife 01334 475 555

Open: every day 11.30am-10.00pm www.cromars.co.uk

When it comes to fish and chips, St Andrews has long been in the shadow of its neighbour Anstruther, which boasts a multiple award-winning chip shop, the Anstruther Fish Bar, and gets visitors from miles around. But since being established in 2013, Cromars has quickly gained an impressive reputation of its own – winning Best Chip Shop in Scotland 2018 at the National Fish and Chip Awards. Have some of their crumbly white fish in crispy batter, and it’s not hard to see why.

2. CATCH, GIFFNOCK

Where: 186 Fenwick Road, Giffnock, Glasgow (also Catch Netherlee on Clarkston Road)

Open: Monday-Thursday 12pm-10pm; Friday- Saturday 12pm- 11pm; Sunday 1pm-10pm

Catch has put a gourmet twist on the traditional chippy, with a stylishly decorated interior offering a few tables as well as a takeaway. It also has a more extensive menu than a traditional fish and chip shop, with fishcakes, scallops and burgers alongside the haddock and chips. A particular treat is that it give you its delicious, homemade tartar sauce in a tub to take away, with a big enough dollop that it will last you for your next three dinners.

3. THE CHIPPY, PORTREE Where: Quay Brae, Portree, Skye 01478 612111

Open: Every day 8am-8pm

With restaurants in Portree filling up fast during the summer, The Chippy is an ideal option for an affordable and tasty dinner. You can take your fish supper to the picnic tables outside to enjoy a great view while you eat (weather-dependent, of course). Unfortunately, vegetarians won’t be able to join in the fun – the chips are cooked in beef fat.

4. THE BAY FISH AND CHIPS, STONEHAVEN

Where: Beach Promenade, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 01569 762000

This independent shop is spearheaded by Calum Richardson, who is a former winner of the UK Young Fish Frier of the Year award. He has since trained others in the art of the perfect fish supper, which at The Bay means fresh, locally sourced and flavoursome. Staff can bake or griddle your fish for a healthier option, which is also more suitable for coeliacs than normal frying.

5. L’ALBA D’ORO, EDINBURGH Where: 7 Henderson Row, New Town, Edinburgh

Meaning “golden sunrise” in Italian, L’Alba D’oro has been a favourite among locals since it opened in 1975. More than 40 years on, it is still run by the original owners – and their son – and their popular fish supper remains pretty much unchanged too. Their prawns and calamari are also highly recommended, as well as the fried mushrooms and haggis. This being Edinburgh, salt and sauce is de rigueur.

6. THE PLAICE TO BE, PITLOCHRY Where: Unit 4, 8 West Moulin Road, Pitlochry, Perthshire

Open: Every day 12-2pm, then Sunday-Thursday 4.30pm- 8pm and Friday and Saturday 4.30pm- 9pm 01796 473737

The Plaice to Be is in many ways a traditional chippy, with crispy cod, tasty chips, haggis suppers and a friendly owner who takes the time to talk to customers while they wait in the queue. Yet it has also made a conscious effort to move with the times and cater to customers’ changing needs: offering grilled fish for those who want to eat healthier and a wide range of gluten-free options, where they are