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Unique Scottish Cooking and Cultural 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
From £1595 pp*
  1. Select your arrival date
  2. Choose the number of people
  3. In July and August there is a MINIMUM of 2 people
  4. Check availability!
Request Availabilty

What you'll do

Overview

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.

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, Scotland crowned its kings. Whilst staying in Cairnbaan, 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 exceptional quality and diversity of seasonal ingredients just some of which includes: 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, incredible shellfish and locally grown soft fruits and vegetables.

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 on this Scottish activity holiday 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.

*For a solo traveller cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

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 your cottage in Cairnbaan , Mid Argyll – the base for your holiday.

On arrival at your accommodation you will be introduced to Jane, your cooking teacher, and Brian.

You will have 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 to explore the local area or just relax.

Dinner will be served at the Cook school around 7pm when you will have an informal meeting to discuss further and plan the aspects of your stay and ask any questions that you may have.

 

 

Explore and cook

A selection of breakfast items will be provided for you at your cottage comprising an array of Scottish produce – breakfast is self catered.

This morning you will come for your first cooking class at 10.00am which will focus on some famous Scottish baking followed by a delicious lunch at 1.00pm. Your cooking classes are fun, relaxed and hands on.

The afternoon is free until 4.00pm when you will return to the cooking school to have your second cooking class. We will prepare a 3 course Scottish meal and have dinner at 7pm.

 

Trip to Oban Whisky Distiller

Breakfast is at your cottage and then we depart for Oban where you will visit Donollie castle, gardens and museum, take a tour at the world famous Oban whisky distillery, have lunch at a traditional Scottish pub and explore the town.

Dinner will be served at 7pm at the cook school.

Explore and cook

After breakfast at the cottage you will come for your third cooking class followed by lunch.

In the afternoon you have your half day excursion to visit the historic Kilmartin Glen and museum for an insight into the unique history of the area. Dinner will be served at 7pm.

Departure

After breakfast you will depart for your onward journey home.

What's included

Included

  • All transport throughout the provision of the holiday activities and itinerary
  • 4 nights’ accommodation in your own private Scottish Highland lodge
  • 4 self catered breakfasts
  • 3 lunches (served and picnic style)
  • 4 dinners with wine, beer at Cairnbaan cook school
  • 3 Scottish cooking sessions
  • Tea and coffee
  • Whole day guided excursion to Oban with included visit to Oban distillery, Dunollie museum and a pub lunch.
  • Half day tour Kilmartin Glen
  • Towels, toiletries
  • WiFi
  • Daily guidance from your host and staff
  • Whisky tasting sessions
  • Engraved personalised Scottish Whisky flask and cooking apron

Accommodation

Karibu cottage

Karibu cottage is for your exclusive use during your holiday.

It is a well equipped cottage over two storeys' with modern 2 bedroom, 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.

The Ground floor has a 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.

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.

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.

Brian image

Location

Arrival

Your holiday starts on your chosen arrival date.

You can either drive all the way to the accommodation in Mid Argyll or take the coach direct from Glasgow to Lochgilphead. There are excellent regular daily bus links to Lochgilphead and a regular train service between Glasgow and Oban.

Your host can arrange for collection in Lochgilphead, a short distance from Cairnbaan. Your host can also arrange for private taxi from Glasgow to your accommodation. Check in at your accommodation is from 4.00pm.

Departure

Check out from your accommodation is 10.00am. The journey time by coach from Lochgilphead to Glasgow is approximately 2 and a half hours.

FAQs

How will seasonality affect my holiday?

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.

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.

What excursions will I go on?

You will enjoy one full day excursion and 1 half day excursion.

Full day excursion: Visit to the traditional harbour town of Oban, including a visit to Oban whisky distillery and Dunollie Castle and museum. Oban is a vibrant little harbour town on the west coast of Scotland with opportunities for you to browse the shops and walk along the harbour taking in the views. On this day lunch out is included at a traditional pub in Oban.

Half Day excursion: A visit to Kilmartin Glen with its neolithic standing stones and Kilmartin Museum.

Optional extras that can be added at your own expense to your vacation.

Pre - notification and booking is essential and we will take care of these for you. Prices are indicative and will be confirmed at time of booking.

1.Wildlife and Corryvrecken whirlpool Boat Trip (May to Sept only) £95 per person.
A 45 minute drive to the island of Easdale where you will board the day cruiser for a 3 hour cruise out to the gulf of Corryvrecken to experience the tide races, whirlpool and watch for whales and other wildlife.

2. Guided Sea kayaking – 6 hour trip £105 per person. Enjoy the local flora and fauna on a relaxed day of peaceful, guided sea kayaking exploring the spectacular lochs and coasts of this area. All equipment , guiding and relevant clothing will be provided.

You may also wish to stay on at your accommodation for a few more days to enjoy the many historical sites and beautiful walks in this area. Just let us know when you enquire.

What can I do in my free time?

This is a busy week but you will have free time. The local area offers a wide variety for self-guided activities and opportunities right from your cottage doorstep. 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 - a walk west along the beautiful Crinan canal (right from your accommodation) for cream teas.
(b) Ardrishaig – a walk east along the canal from your accommodation to Ardishaig town or Lochgilphead town.
(c) Dunardy forest walk, near to nature trail.
(d) Historical Rock Art - Cup and Ring Marks walk (behind your cottage)

What food will I try?

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

Can I travel solo?

During high season (July-August) the bookings must be for a minimum of TWO PEOPLE. Solo bookings are accepted in other months.

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