My guide to the perfect Scottish gifts to take back from the Edinburgh Festival

Hi peeps,
It’s the season for Scots (or at least anyone with a Scottish great, great granny) to fill the Royal Mile, see a show at the Edinburgh Festival then take home a wee bit of Scottishness. The locals might get a bit grumpy but if you’ve ever been a Scot abroad you’ll understand how precious a little bit of Scotland can be.
At Uni I studied in Russia for a year and used to get regular parcels of tattie scones from home. They were a godsend - not because I missed the taste all that much, but because they were a direct link to my beloved Scotland and all the folks I missed at home.
Let’s be honest, it's not only Scots who love a Scottish gift - this wee country's loved everywhere! Amazingly you could buy Irn-Bru in St Petersburg (even back in the dim and distant noughties), although the Russians (who only drink their spirits straight) thought we were mad to mix it with our vodka. Elsewhere, Aussies can buy Scottish goodies at Highland Fling in Brisbane, New Jersey boasts Stewarts Scottish Market and the Scottish Food Store  ships worldwide.

Yes, Irn-Bru, Tunnock’s Teacakes and shortbread are always winners,  but I spend a lot of time thinking about great Scottish brands and products so it’s time I shared my Scottish gift wish list. Here goes…
Scotland’s other favourite drink – whisky!
It’s popular the world over but these heavy, breakable bottles can attract huge import taxes. All is not lost, anyone with a sweet tooth (me!) will love Old Pultney Single Malt Scotch Whisky Fudge. Or Dean’s Whisky fruit cake  - soaked in oodles of Tomatin which comes in a cute wee tin – gifting perfection!
Scottish epicurean delights 
Scotland produces some of the best foodie stuff anywhere so it’s unfair that we get shamed for deep fried mars bars and pizza crunch (thats half a pizza battered and deep fried, FYI). With that in mind, these are some of my faves…
Arran Cheese’s Chilli Flavoured Cheddar - great cubed with snacks, or with anything really!
Irn Bru Sausages – pork sausages from Ballards Butchers in Castle Douglas with just a hint of sweetness.
Haggis - veggie haggis is a winner, it’s super tasty and far less likely to breach pesky import restrictions. Or for a longer lasting reminder of home, my Peace Love and Haggis print fits the bill perfectly.....
Stornoway black pudding – the Western Isles speciality is popular in posh restaurants around the world…just don’t tell them what’s in it!
Loch Fyne Oysters – good enough for the fanciest champagne bar... and that’s good enough for me.
Smoked salmon – Caithness Smoke House  produces gourmet goodies like smoked cheese and butter too, yum!
Scotch Pies– This great wee site ships Scotch pie casings worldwide, for DIY pies just like home, anywhere – genius.
Last but not least try some Gillian Kyle goodies. They’re a great reminder of home, are easy to pack, cheap to post and they last longer than a tattie scone!
Why not take (or send!) a Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Caddy Tin stuffed full of Scottish goodies. Our Tartan Stag Coasters are the perfect way to serve a Scottish-themed cuppa, great with our very cute Tartan Westie Apron. 
A set of Scottish Breakfast Mugs is a great gift, especially for those missing their Irn-Bru and porridge. And who doesn’t love a soft organic Men’s Scottish Breakfast T-Shirt?  There’s always room for one extra t-shirt in a care package. 
See our full range of gift inspiration here, and a selection of gift sets here. Don’t forget our new collection will be out later this month! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest  to be kept up to date.
Till next time,
G