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Unique Scottish Cooking and Cultural Experience

From £2049 pp

Argyll & The Isles, Scotland , Cairnbaan

8 days

Private retreat of 1-4 people

Unique Scottish Cooking and Cultural Experience

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What You'll Do

Get truly off the beaten track and escape the crowds, as you throw yourself into the wild, majestic natural landscape of Western Scotland, and discover the culinary riches that await in this stunningly beautiful part of the world.

The location for this unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dalriada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland,  located in the pristine, unspoilt coastal region now known as Mid Argyll.

Your accommodation base will be near Dunadd (an ancient hillfort dating as far back as the iron age), the historical capital of Scotland, where, in the past, Scotlandcrowned its kings.

Whilst staying in Dalriada, not only will you learn fabulous Scottish recipes you will also experience the wild, wonderful nature of rural Scottish way of life, totally immersed in the incredible beauty of the unique Scottish Highlands area.

You’ll be surrounded by incredible sweeping glens, fresh, wild rivers, towering mountains and clean, pure coastal air, and with all this natural beauty comes a richness in the landscape that offers a wealth of abundance when it comes to culinary delights.

This has allowed Scotland to develop a culinary repertoire of exceptionally quality and diversity of ingredients, just some of which includes…

Wild game – partridge, grouse and the pheasant from its remote moorlands, succulent venison from the wild red deer roaming the mountains, salmon and trout swelling the freshwater Highland rivers, rare and succulent beef and lamb from the famous Highland herds, and incredible shellfish of all kinds.

Using ingredients like these, you will discover and learn how to develop a range of mouth-watering, wholesome feasts, where you will be able to really taste the freshness and the quality of the ingredients you are cooking with.

The presentation and delivery of this Scottish cooking and cultural vacation will be very informal, friendly and personal, cooking is about enjoyment after all.

The cooking sessions with be based in a fully-equipped, traditional Scottish family-style kitchen and each vacation and course will be limited to a maximum of 4 guests.

Expect a fun-filled week exploring the landscape, foraging for food, cooking up incredible dishes, and experiencing the real, authentic Scotland in all senses, from the rural communities and cultures, the exquisite food, and the beautiful environment.

 

Experience
Highlights

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wilderness of the Scottish Highlands

Create incredible dishes using the riches of the wild landscape

Discover the true, authentic Scotland in rural communities and culture

Brian

Your Local Host:

Brian

Brian spent around 15 years working in Community Development and Social Work for various public and private agencies and always had a serious interest in outdoor education and skills. He has achieved various coaching certificates and in 2005 decided to put his skills to good use in his own business, with his passion for the outdoors, in particular around his home on the west coast of Scotland and his 'second home' Greece.

Brian runs several trips in Scotland and in Greece, during the year, coordinating activities for both regions, and has a deep knowledge of both locations, the people, places, culture, food and recipes, and will be very excited to meet you and share his knowledge and love of each country with you.

Experience Itinerary

Welcome to the Highlands

You will be met at your pre-arranged location by our representative, who will accompany you by private car transfer to Mid Argyll – the base for your holiday.

On arrival you will be introduced to Jane Chaplin and any other guests or staff who will be involved in your vacation during the week; this will be followed by the opportunity to relax and settle in for a couple of hours.

Depending on the time of year, you may wish to go for a walk or to explore the local area or to simply relax. Dinner will be served around 7pm when you will discuss further and plan the aspects of your stay, and ask any questions that you may have.

Accommodation

The cottage is a well equipped, modern 2 bedroom, two story holiday cottage, set in a very peaceful location, 60 yards from the Crinan Canal. There is free car parking in a private car park adjacent to the cottage.

1. Ground floor: Porch area for boots, coats etc. Living/dining room with 2 x 3 seater sofas, dining area with table and 4 chairs. French doors to the back garden. Well equipped kitchen. Bathroom with bath, shower cubicle and toilet.

The first floor has 2 double bedrooms. The large bedroom has a King size double bed, sleeps 2 adults. The smaller bedroom also has a double bed, suitable for 2 adults. The maximum occupancy is 4 guests.

Crinan Canal and Kilmartin

After breakfast, you will be taken on an excursion to visit Kilmartin museum. Lunch will be served when you return. In the afternoon you might want to relax, or explore the picturesque Crinan Canal and other local sites of interest.

You will meet up again around 4pm to start your first Scottish cooking session. Dinner will be served around 7pm.

Cooking and Exploring

The morning is allocated to your chosen half-day excursion. After lunch around 3pm, you will participate in your second Scottish cooking lesson before dinner is served around 7pm.

Deep Dive into Scottish Cuisine

After breakfast you will participate in your third Scottish cooking session, followed by lunch. The afternoon is free around 3pm and you will meet up for dinner which will be served around 7pm.

A Full Day Adventure

Today you will participate in your chosen full day excursion.

Visit the Local Watering Hole

The morning is allocated to your second chosen half-day excursion.

The afternoon is free. Dinner is not included, this will be ‘on your own‘ at a local pub or restaurant.

A Free Morning and More Cooking

After breakfast your morning is free. In the afternoon you will begin your final Scottish cooking session.

Farewell to Scotland

After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to Glasgow for your onward connections.

Location Information

Arrival

Your vacation starts on your chosen arrival date where you will be met and collected by arrangement from Glasgow International airport (GLA).

If you choose to fly in and out of Edinburgh there are shuttle services that you can take between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Please inquire for details. You are strongly advised to use Glasgow airport when possible for smooth onward connections.

Please note that the earliest meeting/collection time from the airport is 10.00 am. The latest arrival collection time is 6.00pm. You will be taken by private car transfer to your accommodation in Mid Argyll.

Departure

You will be returned to Glasgow airport via private transfer. The private transfer journey time is approx 2 hours to Glasgow (GLA), it’s essential to avoid departing flights that leave before noon.

What's Included

What's Not Included
  • Return private transfer from Glasgow International airport (GLA) to Mid Argyll
  • All transport throughout the holiday to other activities
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in a private room in a Scottish Highland cottage
  • Pictures show a representation of what you can expect. Your actual accommodation will be notified to you at the time of a confirmed booking and will be determined by the number in your party
  • 4 Scottish cooking sessions (3 to 4 hours each session)
  • 7 Daily breakfasts, 6 of these will be self-catered from a basket full of Scottish produce
  • 7  boxed lunches, picnic-style
  • 6 Traditional Scottish dinners
  • On one evening, dinner is not included, this will be an opportunity for you to visit a local pub or restaurant on your own to sample other local Scottish cuisines
  • Local guided walks for the collection of wild ingredients used in cooking sessions
  • Whisky tasting sessions
  • Engraved, personalised Scottish Whisky flask
  • Scottish cooking apron
  • Scottish recipes

FAQs

Depending on your chosen month of travel excursion, experiences will vary.

Scotland benefits from long summer days from around the beginning of May to late August when daylight remains until around 11.00 pm.

These seasonal variations will not affect the course itinerary, but may assist you in planning your trip to your own preferences; Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons.

This vacation is operated and provided on a Saturday arrival and departure day basis. All itinerary items will be provided but some alterations to the specific daily activities will be required.

Depending on what month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable and actual day activities may change, but all inclusions will be covered.

These will be determined by the month you choose to book. After confirming a booking, guests will be provided with a detailed description which will assist them in choosing from the various options shown in the list below. Guests may choose one full day and two half-day excursions. All excursions are guided by a qualified member of staff.

Full-day guided excursions: Subject to availability

(a) Non-landing scenic cruise to the island of Colonsay with dinner on board

(b) Non-landing scenic cruise to the island of Islay with lunch or dinner on board

(c) Island of Luing/Atlantic Islands centre/Easdale Island

(d) Island of Mull, Tobermory and visit to Tobermory whisky distillery

(e) Island of Mull and visit to Duart Castle (seat of the clan chief MacLean)

(f) Oban, visit to Oban whisky distillery & Dunstaffnage Castle or Dunollie castle estate

(g) Town of Oban and a visit to Inverawe Estate and falcon display

(h) Hike through the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada and Kilmartin Valley (6 miles)

(i) Cycle trip in the Crinan Canal / Kilmartin valley area (easy ride of 9 miles)

(j) Explore the Crinan Canal, guided walk Cairnbaan to Crinan return (8 miles)

Half-day guided excursions: Subject to availability

(a) Farm visit/meet & feed Scottish lambs - (April and May only) and subject to availability

(b) Seaweed foraging, explore the shore and collect seaweed to incorporate into some recipes back at the cooking school

(c) Forage for wild mussels along the shoreline

(d) Forage for wild garlic, make your own wild garlic pesto to eat & take home (April/May)

(e) Castle Sween (oldest castle in Scotland) and Kilmory Chapel with ancient gravestones

(f) Guided walk to visit Cairnbaan and Achnabreac ancient rock carvings

(g) Gulf of Corryvreckan whirlpool boat cruise, passing by the islands of Scarba and Jura

(h) Trout fishing, only available up to 30th September

(i) Inveraray town and Inveraray Castle (seat of the clan chief clan Campbell)

(j) Forest walk to Barlusgan nature reserve where beavers have been reintroduced into Scotland

(k) Guided walks through Kilmartin Valley, Templewood stone circle, Dunadd Fort

(l) Visit to Crinan, can include a small walk, followed by cream tea and scones at Crinan

During the week you will have plenty of free time. The local area offers a wide variety of self-guided activities and opportunities - walking, cycling, exploring and sightseeing. Below are some of the areas that we would recommend. We will be able to supply you with a detailed map and further guidance to explore these areas.

(a) Crinan canal, short and long walks

(b) Ardishaig and Lochgilphead

(c) Dunardy forest walk, near to nature trail.

(d) Dalriada Heritage trail

(e) Visit the local pub Cairnbaan hotel (5 minutes walk from your accommodation)

- Cullen skink (Smoked fish soup)
- Braden Rost (Hot smoked Scottish salmon)
- Oatcakes and shortbread
- Traditional meat Scotch pies & meat Bridies
- Cranachan (oatmeal, raspberry, cream, oats, dessert)
- And of course Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy