Scotland serves up some of the tastiest food in the world. Our natural larder has the freshest fruit and vegetables, fish and meat and talented chefs across the country create award winning dishes that rival the best in the world. Scottish snacks are often passed through the generations, taught by your grannie when you were wee. Other snacks are modern creations, experimental and loved by the locals. Recipes for snacks such as shortbread and tablet often vary slightly from family to family and competition is fierce when it comes to who’s is best. Regional snacks such as Arran Cheese and the Arbroath Smokie are only produced is the area in which they are named after. Although they are often sold across the country if you happen to be in the area they are made you are in for a real treat if you can watch them being made or take a tour. These Scottish snacks are a mixture of traditional and new and I encourage you to sample some while you are visiting Scotland. You won’t regret it, well perhaps the mars bar...

Soft, fluffy marshmallow encased in a delicate layer of milk chocolate, sitting on a crumbly biscuit base, Tunnocks teacakes are undoubtably one of Scotland's most popular sweet snacks. The Tunnocks family began business way back in 1890 and now have a wonderful factory in Uddingston, 7 miles south-east of Glasgow. You can book a tour of the factory but it's an extremely popular tour and is often booked out years in advance. Their website is fantastic, there is a fun range of merchandise and games you can play too. 

Researching a trip is always a fun part of the planning process. Gathering information, learning the history and swatting up of must-visit attractions keeps the excitement alive during the long wait until you finally get to travel. These Scotland travel tips will help you with planning your perfect trip and ensure you get the best out of your visit to this beautiful country. 

1.  Scotland is a country and is part of the United Kingdom, along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
2.  There are now almost 5.5 million people living in Scotland (2019), which is a record number
3.  The official currency of Scotland is GBP (Great British Pound)
4.  Scotland covers over 30,000 square miles. 
5.  Scotland's national animal is a unicorn. That's right, we are magic. 
6.  Scotland national dish is the haggis. I won't say what's in it. If you are a vegetarian or vegan there are some pretty delicious         alternatives.
​7.  Scotland's national drink is none other than Whisky. Irn Bru is also pretty famous and I highly recommend trying it. 

​The first time driving in any new country is daunting. Even the thought, in the lead up to the first drive, can be scary. Driving in Scotland doesn’t need to be intimidating though. In this article, I hope to put your mind at ease with all the information you’ll need. Hiring a car and driving in Scotland means you can get off the beaten track, explore areas which, if you travel by public transport, you wouldn’t be able to reach. It gives you greater flexibility and allows you to stop off for a pretty view, a toilet break or a cuppa whenever you want. 

Over the years I’ve been asked so many questions about driving in Scotland and I’ll answer them below, so when you arrive in this gorgeous country you are equipped with all the knowledge you need to really enjoy exploring by car.  

Quick (but important) note - There is no point hiring a car while you are in Edinburgh or Glasgow. The streets are busy and parking is expensive, that's if you can find a space. Think about hiring a car when you are leaving the city instead.