Edinburgh, Scotland – Scotland is rightly proud of its growing reputation as a “foodie” destination. The country's strong culinary traditions and bountiful larder combined with a fresh take on “eating local” and an emphasis on small-batch spirits makes for an interesting mix of old and new. VisitScotland, the national tourism office for the country, has dubbed 2015 the “Year of Food and Drink,” and many of Connoisseurs Scotland's member properties are picking up the torch – and the fork – by providing brand new food and beverage offerings that will have visitors from North America flocking to try these exciting offerings.

     Whisky may be the national drink of Scotland, but gin is also immensely popular, particularly in Edinburgh where consumption of the juniper-flavored liquor is higher per capita than in any other British city. In honor of this distinction, One Square at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa has launched its own brand of small-batch premium gin in collaboration with Pickering's Gin at Summerhall Distillery, Edinburgh's first gin distillery to open in more than150 years. One Square Gin is based on a unique recipe created by One Square's team of gin experts—known as the Gin Concierge—in cooperation with the team at Pickering's. The small-batch creation features 15 botanicals including juniper, bog myrtle, pink grapefruit and Scottish heather. To celebrate the launch of this new spirit, the Sheraton Grand has created an exclusive Gin Package, which showcases the hotspots in Scotland's gin capital. The package includes accommodations at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa with full Scottish breakfast, a gin amenity in guests' room on arrival, a tour of Summerhall Distillery where One Square Gin is distilled, and the chance to gain insider knowledge with a member of the Gin Concierge over a cocktail at the bar.

     In other exciting food news out of Edinburgh, the Observatory Restaurant, a brand new dining experience, is now open to the public at the Glasshouse Hotel. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Scottish-themed restaurant earns its name for its incredible views of the World Heritage Site, Calton Hill. The menu focuses on locally sourced foods—so local, in fact, that many ingredients come from within just a few miles of the restaurant. Head Chef Dan Mellor, inspired by his aim to provide the freshest ingredients possible for each meal, regularly heads outdoors to forage for produce like mushrooms, nettles, wild herbs, elderflower and blackberries. Chef Mellor says his motto is “what grows together, goes together,” a theme that can be seen in dishes like venison served with herbs and vegetables found growing in the animal's natural habitat. The Observatory, which is now open five days a week from 6 p.m., will feature an upscale dinner menu as well as a pre-theater menu for those looking to dine before heading to a show at the neighboring Edinburgh Playhouse. 

     For those interested in tasting the culinary offerings of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the Hebridean Princess's “Flavours of Scotland” cruise is an ideal way to sample the bounty of the region. This seven-night sailing departing out of Oban will visit no less than three Michelin-starred restaurants—including the world-renowned Kinloch Lodge—in addition to a variety of local food and drink producers. In Islay, a visit to one of the island's most famous distilleries, Laphroaig, introduces guests to the peaty whiskies for which the region is known. The ship's local oyster supplier, based on the Isle of Colonsay, will be on hand to talk about fishing for local seafood as well as his other passion, honey and the black-tailed bees he keeps. A cooking lesson paired with lunch at Kinloch Lodge and a tour of Isle of Mull Cheese, a small, family dairy farm, offer guests the chance to sample more local fare. The sailing concludes with a Champagne reception in Mull at Duarte Castle. The “Flavours of Scotland” cruise will depart April 5 and October 4, 2016.

     Connoisseurs Scotland's members include four of the world's finest golf resorts – The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa at St. Andrews, The Gleneagles Hotel, Cameron House on Loch Lomond and Trump Turnberry, A Luxury Collection Resort as well as Trump International Golf Links. In addition, there are city-center properties; country house hotels; exclusive-use properties; a range of world-class spas; an all-suite hotel; the ultimate luxury train, Belmond Royal Scotsman; and the only cruise ship in the world with a Royal Warrant from HM The Queen, Hebridean Princess. One of the country house hotels, Inverlochy Castle, was recently voted the best hotel in Europe. Six members boast Michelin-starred restaurants – including Gleneagles, which has the only two Michelin-starred restaurant in Scotland. Information about Connoisseurs Scotland, its member resorts, partners and special offers can be found at www.luxuryscotland.co.uk.

# # #

Lauren Frye
lauren@gilliesandzaiser.com
212-724-7783
Gillies and Zaiser
CS-6 June 2015