Undiscovered Scotland

 

"Tipsy Lairds and Rumbledethumps: Scotland's Food and Drink" by Gilly Pickup is a beautifully-produced and - very obviously - thoroughly-researched introduction to the culinary landscape of Scotland. I've always tended to think that Scotland's food heritage has great highs and some remarkable lows. For the stand-up comedians out there, this is the nation that brought the world the battered and deep-fried Mars Bar. On the other hand it is also a nation that exports (and enjoys at home) truly outstanding seafood, game, cheese, and much more besides.

Opinions probably differ as to whether bringing haggis to the world counts as a high or a low but the author of this attractively-illustrated book gives it a fair hearing, in a chapter that begins by noting that she is a vegetarian and also touches on brain cakes, hare soup and munchy boxes. For the most part the author stays nearer the mainstream of Scottish cuisine and chapters look at Scottish desserts; at the French influence on Scottish cooking; at cheeses, at flour and at seafood. At the end of the book is a chapter looking at the influence of alcohol on Scottish cuisine, mainly Scotch whisky as you'd expect but also touching on beer and gin.

You get a good sense of the book from the publisher's description of it: "Scotland’s diverse landscapes, extensive coastline and mix of cultural and historic influences are reflected in its rich food and drink heritage. The country is famous for porridge and other oat foods, haggis, grouse and whisky, but there is much more to Scotland’s food and drink than these foodstuffs. There are many interesting dishes that deserve to be celebrated and the huge variety of local produce stretches far beyond Forfar bridies, Arbroath smokies, Fochabers gingerbread and Montrose cakes. In this book Gilly Pickup looks at the special foodstuffs, dishes and drinks that have characterised Scotland over the years, picking out the many interesting stories that contribute to this country’s food and drink narrative. Scotland has a diverse culinary heritage, each different area and region boasting its own local produce and traditions, and today its food and drink businesses and annual events associated with its food and drink are major sectors of the Scottish economy. Tipsy Lairds and Rumbledethumps: Scotland’s Food and Drink will appeal to all those who are interested in the history of Scotland and its food and drink heritage."

I'd agree. If you want to know more about Scottish cuisine then "Tipsy Lairds and Rumbledethumps: Scotland's Food and Drink" by Gilly Pickup is a pretty good place to start.