Eat through Scotland round the year

Nessie’s homeland will come alive in 2015 as the country celebrates Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink. An initiative by EventScotland, VisitScotland and Scotland Food & Drink, the festival aims at promoting and celebrating Scotland’s produce and culinary traditions. Every month of the year has been assigned a different theme — January celebrates traditional foods, May whisky, August dairy and December premium foods, including cheeses, relishes and pâtés. Also on offer are a range of trails that will help visitors explore facets of Scottish culinary traditions. The Seafood Trail features renowned restaurants such as Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and the Pierhouse Hotel where visitors can watch fresh catch being brought in by local fishermen after they’ve walked through rugged coastlines, fish-filled lochs and spectacular scenery. The Malt Whisky, Scottish Cheese and Real Ale trails introduce enthusiasts to the country’s brewing and cheese-making traditions. Other trails highlight regional cuisine. Time to eat, drink and do the fling. Check visitscotland.org for more information.