Follow in Scotland's foodsteps

Fancy embarking on a hike to discover hake? An amble with an Arbroath Smokie? A mosey for some malt whisky? Or even a chase to uncover delicious Scottish chocolate?

With figures revealing that almost half of people (49%) visiting Scotland want to try local food, a new ebook by VisitScotland is hoping to encourage visitors to undertake a culinary tour of the country.

Available from 6 February on visitscotland.com, ‘A Taste of Scotland’s Foodie Trails’ combines details of Scotland’s food trails with information about relevant local businesses and interesting facts about each product.

The 10 Scottish food and drink trails within the book include:

• Malt Whisky Trail – passing through one of the country’s best-known whisky regions, Speyside in the Highlands, the trail is the only one of its kind in the world.
• Seafood trail – traveling through the west coast of Scotland, this trail discovers the treasures of the Atlantic Ocean and Argyll’s sea lochs to highlight the country’s renowned seafood.
• Arbroath Smokie Trail – celebrating one of Angus’ most famous exports, so famous in fact, that it was granted protected geographical status under European Law in 2004.
• Scotland’s Chocolate Trail – Scotland is home to more than 70 small-scale, artisan and specialist chocolate makers each using high quality cocoa and inventive Scottish flavour combinations.
• Scottish Cheese Trail – From mature cheddars and creamy wheels to tangy blues and deliciously smoked wedges, this tour of the country’s artisan cheesemakers offer a huge variety of textures and flavours.
• Real Ale Trail – traveling to a number of the independent breweries across the country, this trail celebrates Scotland’s proud and long history of brewing beer.
• Whisky Coast - Travelling across the western coast of Scotland, this trail uncovers the secrets behind the art of whisky creation and raises a glass to the national drink.
• Outer Hebrides Food and Drink Trail- sampling the beauty of the Outer Hebrides whilst sampling the best of the Islands culinary delights, this trail covers the Isle of Lewis in the north right down to the Isle of Barra in the south.
• Aberdeen City and Shire Food and Drink Trail – With miles of fertile farmland, crystal clear rivers and sparking coastline, the region is home to the fresh fish and the world-famous Aberdeen Angus beef.
• Scottish Lowlands Food and Drink Trail – Delve into the landscape of the Scottish Lowlands and discover a wealth of delicious home-grown produce on this mouth-watering trail.

As well as highlighting places to experience great Scottish food, the ebook also offers visitors a taste of what else there is to do in the area from mouthwatering events to historic attractions.

The free online guide is part of the national tourism organisation’s activity to promote the Year of Food and Drink 2015, a 12-month celebration of Scotland’s natural larder and unique dining experiences.

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland’s famous food and drink comes from its unique landscapes, unspoiled habitats and varied weather, which is perfect for producing a wide variety of high quality fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and much more.

“This year, as we take Scotland to the world, we celebrate the role that food and drink plays in shaping our economic and tourism success.

“I hope this e-book provides some food for thought, not just for visitors but also people in Scotland. We have a world-class natural larder right here on our doorstep, the Year of Food and Drink provides the perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy it!”

Recent figures estimated Scotland’s food and drink tourism industry is worth £2.5 million per day to the economy, with the food and drink industry as a whole worth almost £14bn a year.

VisitScotland is undertaking a range of activity including creating a dedicated event fund, industry engagement and marketing, focusing on connecting ‘plate to place’ - linking the country’s food and drink with brilliant moments around Scotland.

Research shows that food is an integral part of the tourism experience and sampling traditional dishes and local produce is the second top activity undertaken by visitors to Scotland. The Year of Food and Drink will raise awareness of Scotland’s restaurants, hotels, food producers, B&Bs, takeaways, cafes and visitor attractions, and will further develop Scotland’s reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.

To download a copy of ‘A Taste of Scotland’s Foodie Trails’ e-book visit: www.visitscotland.com/about/food-drink/food-trails

For further information contact:

Louise Purves

Corporate Press Officer

Tel: 0131 472 2052

Louise.purves@visitscotland.com

Out of hours media enquiries: 07699 766986