A whisky lover’s paradise, Speyside is just a stone’s throw from Inverness and offers a blend of world-class distilleries, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Each year, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival draws a global crowd with over 500 whisky-related events across the region. From exclusive tastings and distillery tours to expert-led masterclasses, it’s your best chance to immerse yourself in Scottish whisky culture. This year’s edition runs from 30th April to 5th May and includes signature events such as the Spirit of Speyside Whisky School and the Whisky Awards. 

Visit SpiritOfSpeyside.com

‘Barry’ is Scottish slang for good. It also happens to be the name of one of Scotland’s most acclaimed kitchen talents. Barry Bryson has finally put down roots with his first permanent restaurant. Previously known for luxe brand collaborations, pop-ups, festivals and private dining, Bryson has cooked for the likes of Nigel Slater, Roland Mouret and Tracey Emin, as well as creating menus for Edinburgh’s Jupiter Artland. Now he’s arrived in the hip Edinburgh neighbourhood of Leith. Opening just last month, his 34-cover restaurant and bar celebrates the best of Scottish seafood. Menus feature Loch Fyne oysters, Eyemouth crab, sea bass ceviche and evening showstoppers like half-shelled lobster or whole grilled bream.

Visit BarryFish.co.uk

Cult bakery Twelve Triangles is now a decade old, but it has just launched an online shop that makes some of its beloved range available to all. While fresh bread is off the cards, the shop features an array of preserves, condiments and pantry essentials, including its signature smoked ketchup, sweet chilli jam and whey caramel – made from the by-product of its homemade yoghurt and ricotta. Sweet treats include croissant biscotti – crispy slices of croissant dipped in cream, sugar, and salt then caramelised in the oven – and Miche crumb chocolate bars, a collaboration with Scottish chocolatiers Ocelot.

Visit TwelveTriangles.co.uk

For 25 years now, the Ardbeg Committee has loyally protected the historic Islay distillery from closure. An overdue reward for committee members – and perhaps for you too – is Ardbeg Eureka! With notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, briny seaweed and smoke, it’s a complex blend with a unique origin story involving ‘Operation Smokescreen’….

Visit Ardbeg.com

Mirin is a chef-owned gem in Edinburgh, offering playful Asian-inspired dishes and low-intervention wines in a relaxed atmosphere. Now, you can enjoy a taste of Mirin at home. Its Crispy Chicken Skin Sambal is an umami powerhouse that takes any dish to the next level. A bold, savoury flavour makes it ideal for adding depth to stews, curries and stir-fries, or tossing through noodles and fried rice for a quick mid-week meal. We also rate it with eggs or as a rich base for a comforting bowl of ramen. 

Visit Delli.Market