Of Land, Sea and Season: A Culinary Journey through Summer in the South of Scotland

As the days stretch towards the midsummer solstice, the South of Scotland is at its most abundant. Vibrant green landscapes, heather blanketing many of the hills, and golden light illuminating the coastlines make this the perfect season for outdoor dining and indulging with loved ones.

Across the region, berries ripen in the sun, from strawberries and raspberries to blueberries and currants, while fields and kitchen gardens are full of fresh crops ready to be picked and enjoyed. Along the coast, langoustines, lobster and mussels are at their peak, bringing the flavours of the sea to life.  

Through ‘Of Land, Sea and Seasons’, we invite you to step into the warmth of our landscapes and communities. Summer in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway is a celebration of the connection between plate and place.

Here is how you can experience the best of the South of Scotland during summer.

Cow to Cone

Go on an Artisan Gelato Journey at Ernespie Farm

Step behind the scenes at Ernespie Farm Shop & Kitchen with the brand-new Cow to Cone Walking Tour, launching in 2026. Discover the journey from fresh milk to gelato as you explore the working dairy farm in the heart of Dumfries & Galloway.

You’ll meet the pedigree Holstein Cows and see modern milking in action before learning how the milk is turned into small-batch, artisan gelato. For the perfect finale to the tour, you get to enjoy a scoop of your choice. To keep things personal, spaces on each tour are limited and the tour is tailored to suit families, food lovers and anyone curious about where great gelato truly begins.

Best to try during summer, with tours available from May to August.

Coastal Explorations with Borderland Food Tours

Join local foodie tour guides on a Seafood Safari on the Northumberland & Scottish Borders coast

This guided food journey ‘grazes’ along the English/Scottish shoreline, tasting 5 of the Borderlands most famous seafood – lobster, smoked fish, oysters, haddock and crab – while soaking in landscape & local stories. Each stop introduces a different course or tasting, building a full meal over several hours.

Starting at Berwick-upon-Tweed, the journey takes you to iconic locations along the coast. Visit St Abbs Harbour where rugged cliffs meet crystal clear waters, the historic fishing hub of Eyemouth, witness the meeting of river and ocean framed by iconic bridges at Berwick-upon-Tweed, and look out to the magical Holy Island of Lindisfarne, a tidal island & old fishing village steeped in spirituality, where ancient priory ruins, the rocky crag castle and sweeping sands create an unforgettable sense of place & coastal culture.

What makes this different from just “eating out” is the focus on freshness and storytelling. Discover fishing traditions going back centuries, cross-border history of Scotland and England, and how the cold North Sea waters directly shape the flavour on your plate.

Best to try during summer but available from April to October.

First Sip of Scotland

An Artisanal Spirit Journey at Gretna Green

Take a flavourful tour of Scotland at Gretna Green’s Famous Blacksmiths Shop. The First Sip of Scotland offers a curated introduction to the country’s outstanding drinks scene. Led by expert hosts, you’ll sample five locally distilled whiskies and spirits, each one a celebration of Scottish heritage and craftsmanship. This is more than just a tasting. It’s a journey into the heart of Scotland’s artisanal culture, set in a legendary location.

Available year-round. Check with the team for seasonal highlights.

Summer Dining at Knockinaam Lodge

Thoughtfully crafted menus in a breathtaking coastal setting.

Set on a secluded stretch of the Rhins of Galloway coastline, summer dining at Knockinaam Lodge is a celebration of the season’s brightest, freshest flavours. Guests can enjoy a set seven-course tasting menu for dinner and a three-course lunch, both shaped by the very best of summer produce at its peak. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the surrounding land and sea. Menus are adapted to suit a range of dietary preferences, ensuring every guest feels considered. The experience is refined yet relaxed, infused with the lightness and warmth of the season. At Knockinaam Lodge, chefs cook in harmony with nature’s rhythm, with food and wine at the heart of everything they do.

Best to try during summer but seasonal menus available year-round.

Forage & Fire with Way of the Wild

Learn the art of fire-building on open-air cooking with an expert guide

Reconnect with nature through a full-day Forage & Fire experience with expert guide Kristy from Way of the Wild. Based in the beautiful South Machars coastal area of Galloway, you begin your adventure with a guided walk through hedgerows and along the shoreline to discover the hidden larder of the region.

Then spend the afternoon at the forest camp around an open fire. Here, you prepare and cook a feast from your foraged finds. It’s a true celebration of the local land and sea.

Best to try during summer but experiences available year-round.

Introduction to Curing, Fermentation and Delicious Deli with Triko’s Deli

Learn the art of preservation in Kirkcudbright

Discover the art of traditional preservation techniques in this full-day, hands-on experience. Guided by Triko’s Deli, you’ll learn the fundamentals of curing, fermentation and pickling, from creating salt beef and sauerkraut to mastering homemade mayonnaise.

You’ll step into the kitchen to prepare your own classic Reuben sandwich for lunch, before making a selection of deli-style products to take home. Rooted in time-honoured techniques, this experience highlights how preserving food can enhance flavour, reduce waste and make the most of seasonal produce.

Relaxed, practical and full of flavour, it’s a rewarding way to connect with traditional skills that remain just as relevant today.

Available year-round. Check with the team for seasonal highlights.

Featured Businesses