Dear Diary,

The sun is finally out, it is time to kick off the alfresco dining season! And Scotland has many hidden picnic spots to offer. 

Whether you prefer the traditional park setting in the buzzing city centre, the shadowy woodlands and river banks or the breezy beach. The choice is yours. 

All you need is a hamper filled with delicious Scottish produce, a tartan rug and maybe a raincoat just in case …

So here’s what to put in your basket:

Picnic Savouries: 

Scotch egg

The Scottish classic. A soft-boiled egg covered in sausage meat and coated in crunchy breadcrumbs.

Sausage roll

The picnic staple. Seasoned sausage meat wrapped in buttery flaky pastry.

Pork pie

The all-in-one bite. Hot-water crust pastry filled with succulent pork meat.

Oatcakes and cheese

The perfect snack to nibble on. Oaty biscuits topped with chutney and a selection of cheese.

Picnic Sweets:

Scottish tablet

The sugar-shock treat. Crumbly, sweet caramel fudge to die for.

Shortbread

The all-time favourite. A buttery biscuit perfect for dunking. 

Scones with jam and clotted cream

The teatime bit you shouldn’t miss out on. Cream or jam first? Here’s the answer.

Cranachan Cake

The classic dessert turned into a cake. Layers of moist cake and cream with juicy raspberries and a hint of whisky.

Picnic Drinks:

Irn Bru

The nation’s favourite fizzy drink. Hate it or love it.

Elderflower cordial

The homemade lemonade. Bubbly and cooling perfect to beat the heat. 

Thistly Cross Cider

The refreshing booze, Scotland’s original. Try out their summer flavours.

And here’s where to go, my top 12 picnic spots around Edinburgh:

City:

• The Meadows

• Calton Hill

• Princess Street Gardens 

• Inverleith Park

Beaches:

• Portobello

• Cramond

• Yellocraig

• Gullane

Countryside:

• Dalkeith Country Park

• Vogrie Country Park

• Roslin Glen Country Park

• Pentland Hills