Whenever I need to remind myself of who I am, what I do, and where I come from, I pick up this book for a few moments, flick through the pages, and take in the beauty of our land and sea. Scotland, The Best of Scottish Food and Drink by Claire MacDonald is a wonderful, soul-warming book, with tartan ahoy and beautiful images of hills, rivers, and glens. It’s a nostalgic piece for me, dating back to 1990 and signed by Lady Claire herself, who has become a good pal over the years. Bizarrely, we almost bought a flat years ago from one of her daughters—small world!

I love how this book highlights places to eat and stay (remember, this is 1990), with some fantastic spots that are still thriving today. There are excellent recipes here, with everything you’d expect—from creamy crab tart to smoked trout and a delicious oxtail stew, plus many tempting puddings. Scotland has an abundance of quality ingredients and a rich social food history, and we should be shouting about it. We’re better than the tartan tat shops that serve the tourists; delve a little deeper, and you’ll find incredible things across our beautiful land.

The MacDonalds run Kinloch Lodge on Skye, a beautiful hotel serving excellent food. One day, I’ll go—perhaps on the bike—eat, stay, and enjoy all it has to offer.