Experience Unique Flavours Around Loch Earn #shoplocal
Hot Whisky Smoked Salmon from The Falls of Dochart Smokery
When guests tell me that they will be buying local food and drink produce it is music to my ears. Yes, the local economy benefits however the quality of products on offer can add to a visitors emotional experience and their bond with the area.
Food and drink products make perfect gifts to take home. There is a wide choice with a good range of price options from shortbread and traditional sweeties to gin and whisky. We are proud to share information and links to quality retailers within an easy driving distance of Briar Cottages, including; locally smoked salmon, hand made cakes, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, ice cream, roasted coffee, bread, seafood, distilled alcohol.
I talk a lot about the Falls of Dochart Smoked Salmon on social media. People must think that I am paid to promote it. On the contrary, it is the best that I have tasted and I am happy to invest in a regular supply switching between hot and cold whisky smoked salmon along with smoked cheddar and delicious smoked salmon pate. The Falls of Dochart Smokehouse team will even give you their recipe to make your own pate with.
Many guests who visit, thank us for pointing out the shop and tasting rooms in Killin. Sales and marketing manager Patrick Baines will look after you or one of his team if he is attending a farmers market. You might be lucky to be offered a sample of the pate on a blini in the smokery shop. In addition to salmon and smoked cheddar you can buy a range of quality goods made in Scotland, for example; Wild Hearth Bakery sourdough bread from Comrie, Perthshire Oatcakes, Perthshire Preserves, Summer Harvest Cold Pressed Linseed oil dressings, Chocolates by Iain Burnett - The Highland Chocolatier from Grantully.
Food and drink products make perfect gifts to take home. There is a wide choice with a good range of price options from shortbread and traditional sweeties to gin and whisky. We are proud to share information and links to quality retailers within an easy driving distance of Briar Cottages, including; locally smoked salmon, hand made cakes, cheeses, fruit and vegetables, chocolate, ice cream, roasted coffee, bread, seafood, distilled alcohol.
I talk a lot about the Falls of Dochart Smoked Salmon on social media. People must think that I am paid to promote it. On the contrary, it is the best that I have tasted and I am happy to invest in a regular supply switching between hot and cold whisky smoked salmon along with smoked cheddar and delicious smoked salmon pate. The Falls of Dochart Smokehouse team will even give you their recipe to make your own pate with.
Many guests who visit, thank us for pointing out the shop and tasting rooms in Killin. Sales and marketing manager Patrick Baines will look after you or one of his team if he is attending a farmers market. You might be lucky to be offered a sample of the pate on a blini in the smokery shop. In addition to salmon and smoked cheddar you can buy a range of quality goods made in Scotland, for example; Wild Hearth Bakery sourdough bread from Comrie, Perthshire Oatcakes, Perthshire Preserves, Summer Harvest Cold Pressed Linseed oil dressings, Chocolates by Iain Burnett - The Highland Chocolatier from Grantully.
Ploughman's Chutney with Cider by Perthshire Preserves Take goodies back for a gourmet feast in your cottage or treat yourself to a breakfast or tasting plate for lunch. There is an option to include champagne if someone is happy to be the driver.
A great idea for a special celebration. The company operates a mail order service in the UK should you wish to purchase products after you return home or have a hamper delivered to loved ones at Christmas. In addition, discover The Falls of Dochart labelled whisky by Glenturret, gin, sloe gin and shortbread.
A great idea for a special celebration. The company operates a mail order service in the UK should you wish to purchase products after you return home or have a hamper delivered to loved ones at Christmas. In addition, discover The Falls of Dochart labelled whisky by Glenturret, gin, sloe gin and shortbread.
Whisky Smoked Cheddar - Falls of Dochart Smokehouse, Killin
A number of our returning guests will not leave the area without picking up MHOR bread's pies from Callander. Indulge in steak or steak and haggis and check out the fat sausage rolls. They offer a good range of rustic loafs and popular cakes. We have witnessed guests buying 6 different cakes in order to cut and share them as it is hard to make your mind up from the selection. There are often queues due to the shop's popularity, however this gives you time to stare at the cabinet of cakes and pies on display and narrow down your choices. MHOR shortbread fingers are delicious and make a nice little gift from the area.
Campbells Shortbread made in Callander
Callander also boasts Campbells Bakery established in 1830, now run by the 7th generation of the family in its 192 year. Not many small businesses have survived this length of time. Look out for Campbells pure butter shortbread in shops and on-line or visit the bakery shops in Comrie and Crieff for a range of freshly baked products. Their wheat rolls offer a distinct flavour and the occasional strawberry tart surely does more good in emotional pleasure or feelings of nostalgia, than harm.
Gin made from Tayberries
Dr Osbourne's Scottish Dry Gin by Tom and Lisa Lewis of the MHOR group of businesses Whisky and Gin lovers will not be disappointed by the choice of unique products in the area. Try Dr Osbournes number 46 or 99 Scottish Dry Gin, created by Tom and Lisa Lewis of the local MHOR brand businesses. This is available to buy in the MHOR In Store shop at the Balquhidder turn off from the A84 and is part of the gin collective where you can discover hundreds of other Scottish gins on one site.
Falls of Dochart whisky and gin make a lovely gift from Killin. The unique label depicting The Falls of Dochart is from a watercolour by Scottish artist Daniel Campbell. We happen to have one of his prints on display that is often admired by guests in Briar Steading Cottage. The gin is made using Tayberries - a cross between a raspberry and bramble (blackberry). They grow along The River Tay.
McQueen gin has been a success story offering award winning flavoured gins from a distillery and visitor centre just outside Callander. I have recently learned that the distillery is closed permanently and administrators have been appointed. That is sad news for the area and we hope it is not the end of the road for the brand. You can still purchase some of their products from on-line stockists. The last one that we bought was blue in colour changing to pink when tonic was added. A recent guest of Little Briar Cottage had a bottle of her favourite McQueen blackcurrant and raspberry on her shopping list. We pointed her to on-line sources and a bottle was waiting for her when she returned home.
The Grail in Callander - is a boutique craft drinks shop where they specialise in single malts. Check the website for tasting events too.
Nearby whisky distilleries include Deanston near Doune and Scotland's oldest working distillery Glenturret on the way to Crieff. For an extensive selection of national and international whiskys and gins visit The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum. Non drivers will be welcome to sample a few before they buy with expert advice from the knowledgeable team at the counter.
And beer? Vist the Lade Inn shop at Kilmahog off the A84. Find it at the Kilmahog turn off before you reach Callander if driving from the Lochearnhead direction. You will discover a treasure trove of over 180 Scottish real ales for sale. Fraser calls it the "sweetie shop".
Falls of Dochart whisky and gin make a lovely gift from Killin. The unique label depicting The Falls of Dochart is from a watercolour by Scottish artist Daniel Campbell. We happen to have one of his prints on display that is often admired by guests in Briar Steading Cottage. The gin is made using Tayberries - a cross between a raspberry and bramble (blackberry). They grow along The River Tay.
McQueen gin has been a success story offering award winning flavoured gins from a distillery and visitor centre just outside Callander. I have recently learned that the distillery is closed permanently and administrators have been appointed. That is sad news for the area and we hope it is not the end of the road for the brand. You can still purchase some of their products from on-line stockists. The last one that we bought was blue in colour changing to pink when tonic was added. A recent guest of Little Briar Cottage had a bottle of her favourite McQueen blackcurrant and raspberry on her shopping list. We pointed her to on-line sources and a bottle was waiting for her when she returned home.
The Grail in Callander - is a boutique craft drinks shop where they specialise in single malts. Check the website for tasting events too.
Nearby whisky distilleries include Deanston near Doune and Scotland's oldest working distillery Glenturret on the way to Crieff. For an extensive selection of national and international whiskys and gins visit The Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum. Non drivers will be welcome to sample a few before they buy with expert advice from the knowledgeable team at the counter.
And beer? Vist the Lade Inn shop at Kilmahog off the A84. Find it at the Kilmahog turn off before you reach Callander if driving from the Lochearnhead direction. You will discover a treasure trove of over 180 Scottish real ales for sale. Fraser calls it the "sweetie shop".
Deli's and farmers markets are a great way to discover the best of local and Scottish produce. Check out Hansons Kitchen in Comrie and The Crieff Food company in Crieff High Street. Also The Farm Shop at Comrie Croft. Look out for Perth and Stirling Farmers market dates with links from our website and there is a Forth Valley Food Trail Map if you fancy a foodie day out.
There are some unique chocolatiers in Perthshire like Charlotte Flowers and Iain Burnett the Highland Chocolatier in Grandtully. Check them out if you are on a day trip or look for them in Deli's and food markets. I love to choose from the glass display selection at Gordon and Durwoods confectionary shop in Crieff. Ask for a box to be filled with your preferred selection of chocolates from the counter. This is better value than buying the pre packed boxes though they do look pretty if you want to buy a special gift. Have a look at their Scottish sweets selection too like their fudge and tablet.
Scottish roasted coffee anyone? The Glen Lyon coffee roasters set up in 2011. Their stands are popluar at food markets. You can sniff them out a few stalls away. They eventually moved their roasting base in Glen Lyon to Aberfeldy where they also have a shop and cafe offering coffee, pastries, and coffee beans.
Strathearn Cheese Co. is an award winning Scottish cheese making business based in the old WWII prisoner of war camp at Cultybraggan near Comrie. Worth a trip to see the base alone. They create artisan cheeses using local milk supplies and flavours. "The Strathearn" e.g. is matured for 4 weeks and washed in a Glenturret single malt whisky flavoured brine. You will find their cheeses on quality local restaurant menus too.
To accompany your cheeses? The authentic flavours and textures of award winning Perthshire Oatcakes based on a farm in Crieff. They claim to use ".the only brand of oatmeal guaranteed to be 100% Scottish from seed to mill to finished product"
The Wild Hearth Bakery is also based at Cultybraggan. They bake wholesome rustic loafs including sour dough options. Try their fig and walnut sourdough round. Yum!
Look out for award winning Scottish Jam and preserve makers Perthshire Preserves. They are based in Callander with a mail order service. Try a selection from the tempting choice. Hot banana chutney? Orange whisky marmalade? Another local and unique "made in Scotland" gift option.
To accompany your cheeses? The authentic flavours and textures of award winning Perthshire Oatcakes based on a farm in Crieff. They claim to use ".the only brand of oatmeal guaranteed to be 100% Scottish from seed to mill to finished product"
The Wild Hearth Bakery is also based at Cultybraggan. They bake wholesome rustic loafs including sour dough options. Try their fig and walnut sourdough round. Yum!
Look out for award winning Scottish Jam and preserve makers Perthshire Preserves. They are based in Callander with a mail order service. Try a selection from the tempting choice. Hot banana chutney? Orange whisky marmalade? Another local and unique "made in Scotland" gift option.
Watermelon from The Handy Shop Crieff and Comrie
If you prefer fresh and organic seasonal fruit and veg then visit the Handy Shop in Crieff and Comrie as well as the Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm shop and the Crieff Food Co. We have a seasonal fruit and veg box delivered weekly by The Handy Shop. I love "dirty carrots". They last much longer than the pre washed options. They also taste better and have a richer colour. I enjoy not knowing what will be in the seasonal box, though you can also select and order what ever you like with add on products for sale like fresh eggs.
 Cold whisky smoked salmon by The Falls of Dochart Smokehouse |  Trout caught in Loch Earn from Briar Cottages garden |
I have already mentioned The Falls of Dochart Whisky Smoked salmon, however, if you are looking for the "Finest fish and shellfish selection in Perthshire", then visit the Crieff Fish shop counter in the High Street. Their fish specialists are happy to advise on the range of produce and their delivered daily specials. Message or follow them on Facebook for counter updates whether you are a haddock and kipper fan or are looking for alternatives like monkfish. scallops, sea bream, lemon or British caught sole.
There is also the option to catch your own fresh trout either from Briar Cottages garden on Loch Earn when staying between 15th March and 6th October or via Drummond Estates Trout Farm
For butcher meat visit David Comrie and Son in Comrie, est 1835, Gourlay butcher in Crieff, D Campbell and Son Callander - butchers since 1949 and the The Smiddy Butcher shop near Blair Drummond with fresh meat selections from 5 local farms.
Inverlochlaraig Venison is the place to go for a range of cuts whether you prefer a haunch, sirloin, medalions, mince, sausages or other options. You can buy a box and have it shipped to your door. If you are visiting the Braes of Balquhidder pop in to the farm shop. Turn off the A84 past MHOR84, following the road to Balquhidder and travel straight on past Monachyle Mhor. Enjoy the scenic trip in the car past loch's Voil and Doine or hire an ebike from Roll Outdoors next to Mhor 84 if you are very fit.
There is also the option to catch your own fresh trout either from Briar Cottages garden on Loch Earn when staying between 15th March and 6th October or via Drummond Estates Trout Farm
For butcher meat visit David Comrie and Son in Comrie, est 1835, Gourlay butcher in Crieff, D Campbell and Son Callander - butchers since 1949 and the The Smiddy Butcher shop near Blair Drummond with fresh meat selections from 5 local farms.
Inverlochlaraig Venison is the place to go for a range of cuts whether you prefer a haunch, sirloin, medalions, mince, sausages or other options. You can buy a box and have it shipped to your door. If you are visiting the Braes of Balquhidder pop in to the farm shop. Turn off the A84 past MHOR84, following the road to Balquhidder and travel straight on past Monachyle Mhor. Enjoy the scenic trip in the car past loch's Voil and Doine or hire an ebike from Roll Outdoors next to Mhor 84 if you are very fit.
Sculpture by Kev Paxton in Briar Cottages garden, Loch Earn We understand value pricing and budgeting when shopping. It may be convenient to have supermarket deliveries to your cottage ahead of your arrival, from Tesco, Sainsburys, Asda and the local Co-op. Especially for bulky items. We are also lucky to have nearby village shops and a community co-op open in Killin 7 days a week until 10pm.
Sadly our own village shop is closed and will not re-open following the ill health of popular owner Owen who has served our community for decades. We don't know the future of the building however we wish Owen the best recovery and happiness in retirement as do many of our regular guests. Strathyre Village Shop and Post Office, St Fillans Village shop and Killin Co-op are all within a 7 mile trip going south, east and north from Briar Cottages.
Spare a thought for the small shops and delis. They put their hearts and lives into producing quality unique produce. Self catering gives you the option to mix and match shopping and treat yourselves or your loved ones back home.
Enjoy exploring and tasting your way around our unique area of rural Scotland.
Visit our website page Eat, Drink, Places and Produce around Loch Earn for links to local food producers, retailers and farmers markets as well as area restaurants that were covered in my previous blog.
Slàinte Mhath! (Your good health)
Sadly our own village shop is closed and will not re-open following the ill health of popular owner Owen who has served our community for decades. We don't know the future of the building however we wish Owen the best recovery and happiness in retirement as do many of our regular guests. Strathyre Village Shop and Post Office, St Fillans Village shop and Killin Co-op are all within a 7 mile trip going south, east and north from Briar Cottages.
Spare a thought for the small shops and delis. They put their hearts and lives into producing quality unique produce. Self catering gives you the option to mix and match shopping and treat yourselves or your loved ones back home.
Enjoy exploring and tasting your way around our unique area of rural Scotland.
Visit our website page Eat, Drink, Places and Produce around Loch Earn for links to local food producers, retailers and farmers markets as well as area restaurants that were covered in my previous blog.
Slàinte Mhath! (Your good health)
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