Not yer Mither’s Haggis and Bagpipes

The cuisine in Scotland is delicious. Not only have I eaten local game, seafood, produce, and baking made in traditional ways, but Scottish Chefs are giving recipes new and surprising twists.

Haggis Pakoras

Haggis, the iconic delicacy of Robbie Burns fame is is taken to new heights as appetizers, substitutes for black pudding in the hearty Scottish breakfast and there are even potato chips with haggis flavoring. But last night in Glasgow I tried something I never even considered: Haggis Pakoras! And they were fantastic, served with a secret sauce and onion chutney. They offer a vegetarian version also. But hey, when in Scotti land do as…….

Kilts and bagpipes fit together like porridge and cream. Kilts and tartans, a source of pride and identity, especially it seems for visitors who flock the kilt making stores, are under scrutiny these days. Some writers are challenging their historic validity.

Still, kilt wearing bagpipers frequent Waverley Station in Edinburgh, weddings and other official occasions. On Saturday nights in Strathpeffer the local square is the place to be for marching bagpipers and dancers.

This lone bagpiper won my heart. He looked like an outlaw with a large hooped earring, tattoos and shaved head. He was busking outside the restaurant in a parking lot on the Isle of Barra, Outer Hebrides. It was my friend’s birthday and she loves the pipes, so I told him and rushed in to find her. He gave her a beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday. Unforgettable.

Barra bagpiper