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Scottish Culture

Food and Drink
Scottish cuisine consists of various types of game, dairy, fish, fruits and vegetables. Game often found in Scottish dishes includes partridge, pheasant, deer, duck, goose and rabbit.

When preparing to indulge in authentic Scottish cuisine, it’s best to leave the diets at home. Many popular dishes are rich in fat. Fish and chips shops are extremely popular, serving cod that is battered and fried with a generous portion of fried potatoes. The west coast is also notorious for the amount of fried food consumed there. It’s home to specialty dishes like deep-fried pizza and the deep-fried Mars bar. Salmon, venison and shortbread are other common foods.

A well-known Scottish delicacy that entices bold travelers is haggis – a sausage made of sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs) mixed with oatmeal and spices and cooked in casing. It’s often served with yellow turnips and mashed potatoes.

Whisky made in Scotland, or Scotch, has been touted as the world’s leading spirit. It is made from barley or wheat. Beer is also a staple drink, with lager being the most popular.

Music
Scotland has long been known for its traditional folk music. Most people think of the Great Highland Bagpipe when it comes to Scottish musical instruments, but others are used as well.

The harp has a long history in Scotland and has since been revived by contemporary players, and Scottish fiddling is the foundation of much American folk music. Accordions are often featured in folk music around the world and Scotland is no exception.

These instruments are integral components of dance music that is played across Scotland at dances, balls and weddings.