Why Scotland Is A Must-Visit Destination For Seafood Lovers

Let’s get one thing straight. Although utterly delicious, Scotland is so much more than haggis, neeps and tatties — and even Scottish salmon for that matter. Forever gushing with an abundance of fresh local catches from its pristine waters, Scotland’s stamp on the UK’s seafood scene is something to write home about. A large portion of this Scottish success owes credit to the intensely local mentality when it comes to food and produce. For when it’s straight from the sea and infused with passion, the results are incomparable. Rest assured, whether unassuming rural restaurant or flashy Michelin-Starred eatery, that connection with the land, seas and all the people involved — from the person who catches it to the chef and the fishmonger — shines through the food wherever you are in Scotland.

A drug for seafoodies, the riot of pure untainted flavour found within Scottish shellfish is a testament to its fishing industry, with countries like France, Spain and Portugal reaping the tastes. Like no other foodie experience on earth, the divine texture and overall essence of hand-dived scallops from any of the Scottish isles (like Shetland, Orkney or Skye) are second to none. If you find this hard to believe, start making your way to The Glenview on Skye.

Home to the largest shellfish port in Europe, the charming town of Fraserburgh, which is located at the north-east corner of Aberdeenshire, boasts a perennially busy commercial harbour and a thriving fishing heritage spanning centuries. Surrounded by North Sea swells, this fishing town is known for its vast intake of whitefish. Even in tiny coastal towns, Scotland’s celebrated seafood status reigns supreme.

Catering to all self-confessed seafoodies is The Seafood Trail, ‘Scotland’s Culinary Journey’. Spoiled for choice, this adventure plays to all desires with its cocktail of spellbinding vistas and eight authentic Scottish seafood eateries, the famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar included.

Those who fancy a mosey along Scotland’s other areas can reap the benefits of the East of Scotland Seafood Trail, a bucket list trip to magical Shetland, Moray, Fife, East Lothian (try the Lobster Shack), Angus, the Highlands, Borders and Aberdeenshire. The cities and towns also deliver with seafood institutions like Fishers in Edinburgh and The Seafood Ristorante in St Andrews.

At the end of the day, Scotland’s resplendent seafood scene is a collective effort, an inherent understanding between the sea and every other party involved, from the fishing communities to the restauranteurs reeling off the menu. An unbreakable cultural understanding that favours transparency, authenticity and most of all, local honest seafood.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.