Where better to support local than Scotland’ s Highlands and islands?

A s well the as the scenic mountains, vast seascapes and magnificent wildlife Scotland is renowned for the world over, its cuisine and restaurant establishments are also highly praised and sought after.

A land of plenty and sculpted by oceans, Scotland’s landscape is home to wild game, flowers and berries, fertile soil serving fruitful farms of livestock, grains, vegetables and milk, and is surrounded by seafood which is second to none. Hebridean salmon and scallops are among the highest prized of the Scottish islands’ offerings, while the langoustines and shellfish found around Oban constantly receive rave reviews.

In times such as these, therefore, when supporting local is such a necessity, there really is no better place to be than Scotland’s Highlands and islands and to be supplied with rural Scotland’s finest produce is both a chef’s dream, and a diner’s paradise.

Indeed, a poll commissioned by the Scotland’s Towns Partnership, questioning over 1000 residents of rural Scotland, found that 56% of those who answered prefer to source food produce locally rather than shopping further afield, while almost 90% recognised the importance of supporting businesses in their local community in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, said: “The positive power of people supporting their local high street should not be underestimated. “Our polling highlights how the community pride and the spirit of localism we’ve seen throughout the pandemic has strengthened support for town centres. “As we all live more of our lives locally we must embrace this to ensure that stronger, more sustainable rural town centres are the beating heart of a fairer, better Scotland.” Of course, it is not just the high quality of its food for which Scotland is celebrated. Its Highlands and islands are home to some of the most famous whisky distilleries in the world. From the fruity aromas of the country’s northern casks, to the hearty, peaty flavours of those distilled on Islay and Skye, Scotland’s whiskies are worth a trip in themselves. With an abundance of choice of unrivalled produce and friendly Scottish service, it’s not a question of quantity versus quality in the Highlands and islands; here, and in the rest of Scotland, you get both. As VisitScotland said: “From Aberdeen Angus beef, Stornoway Black Pudding, Arbroath Smokies and Shetland salmon and shellfish to Scottish whisky, ales, scones, shortbread, not to forget haggis - Scotland is a culinary heaven for foodie lovers.”