Of Land, Sea and Season: A Taste of Spring in the South of Scotland

As the winter chill slowly retreats, the rolling hills, forests and coastline of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway fill with the smells of spring. From the first shoots of wild garlic to the freshest catch, the region is ready to share its stories through every plate and pour.

‘Of Land, Sea and Season’ invites you to do more than just visit. It’s an opportunity to taste our landscapes through a curated collection of authentic foodie experiences led by locals.

Here is how you can experience the best of the South of Scotland this spring.

Journey through the Borderland

Join a Borderland Food Tour for storytelling and hidden gems.

Cross the English–Scottish border three times on a guided food journey through the Borderlands, where passionate local guides, proud of their South of Scotland agricultural & culinary heritage, bring the region’s food, people, and landscapes to life. Graze on exceptional local food and drink, and explore the beautiful countryside and coast experiencing the rich flavors, stories, and traditions of the border region. 

Guests enjoy comfortable minibus transportation, curated food & drink stops, and insightful narration of history, heritage and hidden gems known only to locals. Sampling seasonal & authentic regional dishes or discovering the communities that shape the area, Borderland Food & Bus Tours delivers a memorable, taste‑driven adventure that celebrates the spirit of the border.

Best to try during spring but available to book year-round

Discover The Art of Foraging

Get ready for hands-on discovery with Guided Foraging Walks with Wild Food Picnics

Step into spring’s wild larder and uncover the edible treasures of South Scotland’s coastlines and woodlands. Guided by expert forager Mark of Galloway Wild Foods, these relaxed walks reveal how to safely identify and use seasonal ingredients growing all around you.

Over the course of the experience, you’ll gather knowledge and an appetite, before settling down to enjoy a wild food picnic crafted from up to 50 foraged ingredients. From coastal plants and seaweeds to woodland finds, every experience is shaped by the landscape and the season, offering a true taste of nature at its freshest.

Best to try during spring but also available during summer and autumn.

Master Culinary Skills

Learn the craft of at Penninghame House Cooking School and 1868 Restaurant

At the historic Penninghame Estate, guests can take part in one-day cookery courses with the executive chef, learning professional techniques to prepare outstanding West Coast produce, some grown in the walled garden or foraged on the estate.

Eat at the fine dining restaurant, where the freshest local produce is used to reflect the changing seasons, including wild venison from the surrounding woods. Or learn to make craft gin in the still room, with botanicals from the walled garden.

Penninghame Estate has sat in the heart of Galloway since the 18^th century: the team is proud to showcase the amazing natural produce of the area, with sustainability and seasonality at the core of everything they do. 

Available year-round. Check with the team for special seasonal classes.

Estate-to-Plate Elegance

Indulge in fine dining with the Sunlaws Spring Tasting Menu

As the estate awakens at SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Sunlaws invites you to experience spring through the lens of our 300-acre home.

Each course is shaped by the season – wild garlic emerging along the River Teviot, asparagus pushing through the soil, and the first tender shoots from our kitchen garden, tended by our dedicated growers. Estate game, foraged ingredients, and honey from our own bees sit alongside exceptional produce sourced through Chef Dan Ashmore’s trusted network of local suppliers.

This is a culinary journey rooted in the Scottish Borders, taking place at the region’s only 3 AA Rosette restaurant. From estate to plate and guided by our ethos of intent, every dish is a reflection of place and season.

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

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