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Price per person during 2023 / 2024  GBP £ 1185 : Solo supplement + £300 

 

This vacation is available throughout the year subject to availability. 

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5 Days and 4 nights Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland - 2023/2024. 

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Highlights 

Experience Scotland’s magical landscapes.

A culinary treat for  fans of the 'Outlander' books and TV series.

Transform Scottish ingredients from the sea, fields and mountains to your plate.

Modern and traditional Scottish recipes.

Taste famous Scottish products.

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Description: The location for this unique Scottish cooking vacation experience is in Dalriada, once the ancient kingdom of Scotland, which is located in the unspoilt coastal region now known as Mid Argyll.  Your accommodation base will be in Cairnbaan which is in the same area as Dunadd (Fort), the historical capital of Scotland, where in the past Scotland's Kings were crowned. Whilst staying in Cairnbaan, not only will you learn fabulous Scottish recipes you will also experience the wild and wonderful nature of rural Scottish life within this unique Scottish Highlands area.  

 

Scotland has available a wealth of natural produce from its rich mountains, glens, wild rivers and coastal area. This has allowed Scotland to develop a culinary repertoire of exceptional quality and diversity. Wild game - partridge, grouse and the pheasant from its remote moorlands, succulent venison from the wild red deer roaming these mountains, salmon and trout from Highland rivers, rare and succulent beef and lamb from the famous Highland herds and shellfish of all kinds. Using ingredients like these, you will discover and learn how to develop a range of mouth-watering and delicious feasts. The presentation and delivery of this Scottish cooking and cultural vacation will be very informal, friendly and personal. The cooking sessions with be based in a traditional Scottish family style fully equipped kitchen and each vacation and course will be limited to a maximum of 4 guests. Participants can expect a fun week with wonderful culinary experiences and, most of all, they will experience the real Scotland combined with traditional Scottish culture, along with delicious Scottish food.

 

Your culinary host for this vacation is cook Jane Chaplin. Jane has had many years' experience in traditional and modern Scottish cooking. In addition to providing the cooking input for this vacation Jane also provides culinary and catering services to our adventure groups during their vacations in Scotland. During the week, you will be accompanied and hosted by other staff from Adventure Tourism Services also located in Mid Argyll.  

 

On these vacations you will be cooking and preparing a variety of meats, fish, shellfish and vegetables.   

Some of the dishes you might cook and/or experience during your stay in Scotland:

Cullen skink [Smoked fish soup] 

Braden Rost (Hot smoked Scottish salmon)

Various Scottish bannocks - Oatcakes and shortbread

Traditional meat Scotch pies & meat Bridies

Cranachan ( oatmeal raspberry , cream , oats, dessert)

And of course Haggis, the famous Scottish delicacy. Please note: we do not make this as part of a cooking class!

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Detailed holiday and vacation information 

Depending on your chosen month of travel, excursion experience may vary.

Scotland benefits from long summer days from the beginning of May to late August when daylight remains until around 11.00 pm. These seasonal variations will not affect the vacation itinerary but may assist you in planning your trip to suit your own preferences; Scotland offers fantastic visitor experiences during most seasons. Depending on which month you choose to visit, daily itineraries will be seasonal and variable but all inclusions will be covered. Sample 5 day itinerary available on request. ​​

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Inclusions per person 5 days Scottish Cooking and Cultural vacation​: Flexible arrival day is available. 

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• All transport throughout the provision of the holiday activities and itinerary.

• 4 Nights’ accommodation in a private Scottish Highland cottage, more information on our Karibu cottage click here

• 3 Scottish cooking sessions (3 to 4 hours each session) including a dedicated baking session. 

• 4 Daily breakfasts, (self-catered) your cottage stocked and supplied with a range of breakfast goodies for you to help yourself.

• 4 Lunches,

• 4 Traditional Scottish dinners. at Cairnbaan cook school with beverages.

• I whole day guided excursion to Oban with included visit to Oban distillery, Dunollie museum and a pub lunch.

• Whisky tasting sessions

• Engraved personalised Scottish Whisky flask

• Scottish cooking apron.

• Exclusive access to all recipes used in your cooking classes

 

Not Included: 

Travel to and from Cairnbaan , Mid Argyll ( we can advise you at time of enquiry) - this can include private taxi transfer from Glasgow airport. Cairnbaan is well served by public transport from Central Scotland, (Edinburgh / Glasgow)

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Optional extras : Indicative prices shown below , exact prices available on request. 

 

Stay on for extra nights at our Karibu cottage, price £120 per night for exclusive private use of Karibu cottage.

Various boat trips ranging from £55 per person 

Guided sea kayaking full day £110 per person.

Visit Edinburgh , or Glasgow : Many of our guests choose to spend a few days in Edinburgh or Glasgow , before or after visiting our Cairnbaan cook school , we will assist you in the planning of this. 

If you decide to stay on for a few extra nights , the local area offers a wide variety for self-guided activities and opportunities - walking, cycling, exploring and visiting. 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.

• Crinan canal, short and long walks

• Ardishaig and Lochgilphead

• Dunardy forest walk, near to nature trail.

• Dalriada Heritage trail.

• Visit to the local pub Cairnbaan hotel (1 minute walk from your accommodation)           

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