An Edible Voyage

April 2021 I fell in love with Lerwick - a labyrinth of narrow cobbled lanes, where you can reach out and touch both sides simultaneously, rise steeply from the harbour, ripe for exploring; quaint shops - the dingy, musty Wine Shop is a particularly atmospheric experience; the cluster of colourful fishing boats bobbing on the silver blue of the shimmering harbour; the unexpected park hidden between buildings, perfect to pause and savour, sample edible goodies purchased from the water side shops, or even read a book from the post box library. To refuel, Peerie Cafe is a great option.  Meaning 'tiny' in Scottish, one would assume it lived up to it's name based on the small, unassuming doorway.  Inside though is a spacious and convivial seating area across two floors, and a bar filled with homemade cakes, cheesecakes and scones.  Peerie automatically wins several points from me as everything is made in house by James - the daily changing soup is great for warming up, particu...

November 2020 To devour some of Scotland's freshest fish and seafood head to the picturesque fishing village of Ullapool, and tucked off the street, overlooking the ferry port, you'll find The Seafood Shack.  Opened by local girls Kirsty and Fenella, and cooking up fish caught on the inshore fishing boats, this truck has been featured in Mary Berry's 'Everyday Life' series, as well as winning BBC Radio Four's Best Street Food, and it's easy to see why.  Fresh and locally caught seafood is cooked simply and to order, showcasing and complementing the flavours of the fish itself. I found it extremely difficult to choose between Cullen Skink, simply seared scallops or the fish wrap, but eventually decided on the latter.  It was divine.  An enormous piece of the fresher, flakiest haddock in hot and crispy tempura, wrapped up with peppery rocket and zingy but luxurious pesto mayo. A beautiful piece of fish. Find The Seafood Shack on West Argyle Street.