How to create the perfect Scottish summer feast.

With the long summer evenings stretching out ahead of us and the temperature finally heating up, now is the perfect time to throw open those patio doors, dust down your garden furniture and do a little bit of al fresco dining.

And though Scottish cuisine may not be the first to spring to mind when you think of lazy summer days, the abundance of fresh fruit and veg and world-class meat and fish actually make it ideal. 

Smoked Salmon

As all restaurants in Edinburgh know, fresh Scottish fish is second to none, and no summer meal would be complete without a few thinly sliced pieces of Scottish smoked salmon. When it comes to salmon, you really do get what you pay for, so get the best quality cuts you can afford to enjoy at your al fresco feast.

Tatties

As an integral part of Scottish cuisine, you can’t serve a Scotch banquet without a generous pile of tatties. Scottish new potatoes are especially delicious and only need a little bit of butter and a pinch of salt to make them irresistible.

If you’re catering for a BBQ or picnic, why not throw in some spring onions and mayonnaise and create a fantastic Scottish potato salad?

Fruit and veg

Broccoli, asparagus, kale, strawberries, raspberries and rhubarb, the Scottish countryside is overflowing with ripe and delicious local produce. As with the potatoes, Scottish fruit and veg needs very little help to make it mouth-wateringly tasty. Simply buy the best produce that you can, treat it with respect and it will show you what it’s made of!

Haggis

Though traditionally a winter foodstuff, haggis can be enjoyed throughout the year and when thinly sliced and served cold is perfect for summer feasts.

If you’re not up to making a haggis yourself, you can invest in a shop bought version, or if you want to ensure a really delicious meal, contact a local restaurant for a takeaway.

This summer, forget Italian, say au revoir to French and ignore the forlorn BBQ sitting in the corner of your garden, this is the year of the Scottish feast. So, pop down to your local supermarket for some suitably Scottish supplies. Get the tatties boiling, have the haggis on standby and then simply sit back and enjoy an al fresco dinner to be proud of.