Welcome to Scotland
Scotland is famous for breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, Highland traditions, and
some of Britain's most distinctive food.
From hearty breakfasts to world-famous smoked salmon and iconic soft drinks, Scottish cuisine has developed over centuries using simple ingredients, local produce and plenty of character.
Whether you've lived in Scotland all your life or simply fell in love with it on holiday, these are some of the foods that instantly bring Scotland to mind.
Lorne Sausage: Scotland's Famous Square Sausage
Perhaps Scotland's most recognisable breakfast item, Lorne Sausage, is unlike any other sausage in Britain.
Also known simply as square sausage, it isn't stuffed into a casing. Instead, it's made by combining seasoned minced beef (sometimes with pork), breadcrumbs and spices before being pressed into large blocks and sliced into neat squares.
The result?
A sausage that fits perfectly inside a morning breakfast roll.
A Scottish Breakfast Favourite
Walk into almost any Scottish café and you'll find:
- Lorne sausage in a roll
- Full Scottish breakfasts
It's become an icon of Scottish breakfast culture.
Scottish Smoked Salmon
Scotland produces some of the finest smoked salmon in the world.
Using traditional cold-smoking methods over hardwoods such as oak, Scottish smoked salmon develops its delicate texture and distinctive flavour over many hours.
It's enjoyed:
- At breakfast with scrambled eggs
- On bagels
- As part of festive buffets
- On blinis with cream cheese
- Simply with lemon and brown bread
Few foods feel more luxurious while remaining wonderfully simple. We source ours from Strathgarry, who import some of the finest sustainably sourced Atlantic smoked salmon.
White Pudding
Although often overshadowed by black pudding, white pudding has been part of
Scottish breakfasts for generations.
Unlike black pudding, white pudding contains no blood. Instead it's traditionally made using pork, oats, suet and carefully blended spices before being sliced and fried until golden.
It pairs beautifully with:
- Eggs
- Bacon
- Lorne sausage
- Tattie scones
- Baked beans
For many Scots, a Full Scottish Breakfast simply isn't complete without it.
Irn-Bru: Scotland's Other National Drink
Ask almost anyone in Scotland what their national drink is and many will joke:
"Whisky for special occasions. Irn-Bru every other day."
First produced in 1901, Irn-Bru has become one of Scotland's most recognisable brands.
Its bright orange colour and unique flavour have made it something of a cultural icon, and despite countless attempts, nobody has ever quite managed to describe exactly what it tastes like.
One thing is certain...
It pairs brilliantly with fish and chips.
Rhubarb Crumble & Custard
Few puddings feel more comforting than a warm rhubarb crumble.
Although enjoyed throughout Britain, rhubarb has long been associated with Scotland, where the cool climate allows it to flourish.
Sweet, tart fruit beneath a buttery crumble topping becomes even better with generous amounts of hot custard poured over the top.
It's the kind of pudding that's been appearing on Scottish family tables for generations.
Make Proper Bird's Custard
No packet custard compares to making it properly.
Using Bird's Custard Powder, all you need is:
- 2 tbsp Bird's Custard Powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 pint of cold milk
Mix the custard powder and sugar into a smooth paste with a splash of cold milk.
Heat the remaining milk until almost boiling, then slowly whisk it into the paste.
Return everything to the saucepan and cook gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until thick and silky.
Serve piping hot over rhubarb crumble.
Bring Scotland Home
Whether it's a proper Scottish breakfast with Lorne sausage and white pudding, smoked salmon for brunch, an ice-cold Irn-Bru, or rhubarb crumble covered in Bird's Custard, Scotland's food is all about comfort, tradition and simple ingredients done well.
At Parker's Great British Institution we're proud to bring authentic Scottish favourites to homes across America.
Browse our Scottish collection and enjoy a proper taste of Scotland, wherever you are.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lorne sausage?
Lorne sausage, also known as square sausage, is a traditional Scottish breakfast sausage made without a casing and sliced into square portions.
Why is Irn-Bru so popular in Scotland?
Irn-Bru has been made in Scotland since 1901 and has become one of the country's most iconic soft drinks thanks to its unique flavour and cultural significance.
What is white pudding?
White pudding is a traditional Scottish sausage made from pork, oats, suet and spices. Unlike black pudding, it contains no blood.
What is traditionally served with rhubarb crumble?
Hot Bird's Custard is the classic accompaniment, although cream or ice cream are also popular.
Comments (1)
Do you ever make haggis? My husband loves the filing (not necessarily the stomach). LOL