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.

'Beautifully-produced and - very obviously - thoroughly-researched introduction to the culinary landscape of Scotland.' * Undiscovered Scotland, June 2024 *

Gilly Pickup is an award-winning journalist and author. She specialises in travel and cruise writing but also publishes features on wellbeing, food, lifestyle, history, wildlife, arts, culture, pets and the paranormal. Her byline appears in the Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, Country and Town House, CNN, Discover Britain, The Scotsman, The Scots magazine, various women's magazines, inflight and cruise titles. Her website is www.travellinglady.co.uk. She is the author of 12 books.