Scotland has a wealth of natural produce from its rich mountains, glens, wild rivers, and coastal area. This has allowed Scotland to develop a culinary repertoire of exceptional quality and diversity: partridge, grouse, and the pheasant from its remote moorlands, succulent venison from the wild red deer roaming these mountains, salmon and trout from Highland rivers, rare and succulent beef and lamb from the famous Highland herds, and shellfish of all kinds.
Using ingredients like these, you will discover and learn how to develop a range of mouth watering and delicious feasts. The presentation and delivery of this Scottish cooking and cultural vacation will be very informal, friendly, and personal. The cooking sessions will be based in a traditional Scottish family style, fully equipped kitchen and each vacation and course will be limited to a maximum of four guests.
Participants can expect a fun week with wonderful culinary experiences and, most of all, they will experience the real Scotland combined with traditional Scottish culture, along with delicious Scottish food. On this vacation, you will be cooking and preparing a variety of meats, fish, shellfish, and vegetables.
Your culinary host for this vacation is cook Jane Chaplin. Jane is very passionate about Scotland, cooking, and loves sharing her ideas with cooking guests. During the week, you will be accompanied and hosted by other staff from Adventure Tourism Services who are also located in Mid Argyll.
Detailed holiday and course information
Depending on your chosen month of travel, experiences and excursions will vary. Scotland benefits from long summer days from around the beginning of May to late August when daylight is on until around 11:00 p.m. These seasonal variations will not affect the itinerary but may assist you in planning your trip to your own preferences. Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons.
This vacation is operated and provided on a Saturday arrival and departure basis. All itinerary items will be provided, but some alterations to the specific daily activities will be required. Depending on what month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable and actual day activities may change, but all inclusions will be covered.
Some of the dishes you will cook and enjoy during your stay
- Braden rost (hot smoked Scottish salmon)
- Cranachan (raspberry oatmeal, cream, oats, dessert)
- Cullen skink (smoked fish soup)
- Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy
- Oatcakes and shortbread
- Traditional meat scotch pies and meat bridies
Daily itinerary
Day 1: Saturday
You will be met at your pre-arranged location by Adventure Tourism Services' representative who will accompany you by private car transfer to Mid Argyll, the base for your holiday. On arrival, you will be introduced to Jane Chaplin and any other guests or staff who will be involved in your vacation during the week.
This will be followed by the opportunity to relax and settle in for a couple of hours. Depending on the time of year, you may wish to go for a walk or to explore the local area or just relax. Dinner will be served around 7:00 p.m. when you will have an informal meeting to discuss further and plan the aspects of your stay and ask any questions that you may have.
Day 2: Sunday
After breakfast, you will be taken on an excursion to visit Kilmartin Museum. Lunch will be served when you return. In the afternoon, you may like to relax or explore the picturesque Crinan Canal or other local sites of interest. You will meet up again around 4:00 p.m. to start your first Scottish cooking session. Dinner will be served around 7:00 p.m.
Day 3: Monday
The morning is allocated to your chosen half day excursion. After lunch, around 3:00 p.m., you will participate in your second Scottish cooking lesson and dinner will be served around 7:00 p.m.
Day 4: Tuesday
After breakfast, you will participate in your third Scottish cooking session, followed by lunch. The afternoon is free around 3:00 p.m. and you will meet up for dinner which will be served around 7:00 p.m.
Day 5: Wednesday
Today you will participate in your chosen full day excursion.
Day 6: Thursday
The morning is allocated to your second chosen half day excursion. Your afternoon is free. Dinner is not included on this evening and will be on your own at a local pub or restaurant.
Day 7: Friday
After breakfast, your morning is free. In the afternoon, you will begin your final Scottish cooking session.
Day 8: Saturday
After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to Glasgow for your onward connections.
Note: The itinerary shown above is a sample and your actual daily itinerary will be determined by the excursions that you have chosen during your stay.
