Throw down your tartan blanket - 5 Scottish Favourites

Thanks to Euan Myles photography and Bowhill Country House & Estate for photography[/caption]We are a little biased as you know we are based in the Scottish Borders however on this occasion we are justified in saying that the winding National Tourist Route taking you from from the English town of Carlisle to our Scotland’s mighty capital city, Edinburgh is not to be missed. You will pass through former royal burghs, gaze up at fascinating castles, grand stately homes, and the picnic opportunities are endless in the beautiful rolling countryside. Not to mention that there is very little traffic so you can pull over at any opportunity and take in the view.Top spot for your picnic break is Bowhill House & Estate near Selkirk, home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch. Stretch your legs with a walk in the surrounding woodlands and from the other side of the Loch you can overlooking the historic house and pretend it is your country manor while you munch your sandwiches.

You don't have to go on an epic island hopping adventure through the Hebrides, or conquer the epic Highland coast to coast trip, or even challenge yourself to the hardest mountain climb in Scotland, the ‘Bealach na Ba’ (although these are some of the amazing routes you can do on a bike in Scotland). Just put some sandwiches into your saddlebag and pedal. We love the Ullapool to Lairg route with a stop to enjoy the sublime views of Glen Oykle.....definitely the perfect picnic spot.

Haggis crisps I hear you ask? Well there is even a Whisky & Haggis version so simple Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper is nothing. Mackies tell us that "The sumptuous haggis flavour combined with the spice of cracked black pepper makes for a particularly more-ish potato crisp. Must be tried to be believed." and they are right. We love them almost as much as we love our tartan blankets!

Key Ingredients - Smoked Salmon

For those of you who received a parcel from us in the last few months you might have spotted a leaflet from our favourite Scottish smokery Inverawe. Mix up cream cheese and sweet chilli sauce (more sauce for more kick, less sauce if you are a bit of a softie), spread a thin layer of this onto your tortilla, add plenty of delicious smoked salmon and a handful of fresh watercress. Yum one delicious and rather posh picnic ingredient sorted!