Two of the Highlands’ best known bakeries are taking centre stage in a new nationwide trail celebrating Scotland’s rich baking tradition and encouraging visitors to discover the people behind some of the country’s favourite treats.
Scottish Bakers has launched The Ultimate Scottish Bakers Trail 2026, an interactive digital guide designed to showcase bakeries across the country while highlighting the craftsmanship, heritage and community spirit that define Scotland’s baking industry.
The trail features Harry Gow Bakery and Maclean’s Highland Bakery as representatives of the Highlands, placing them alongside well known businesses from across Scotland.
Rather than simply listing places to visit, the digital trail allows people to hear directly from bakery owners through a series of exclusive video interviews exploring the stories behind their businesses.
Food writers Julia Bryce and Rosalind Erskine travelled across Scotland to meet the bakers, discovering the passion and dedication behind everything from traditional loaves to pastries, cakes and biscuits.
The trail includes both large scale bakeries recognised as Industry Icons and smaller artisan businesses described as Local Heroes, reflecting the diversity of Scotland’s baking sector.
Scottish Bakers chose Carr’s Flour Mill to launch the project as the business celebrates its 200th anniversary this year, recognising the role it has played in supplying generations of Scottish bakeries.
Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said:
“Scotland has an extraordinary baking industry, built on generations of skill, innovation and pride.
“We want people to see the passion, talent, and hard work that exists in bakeries right across the country.
“Behind every loaf, pastry and biscuit is a baker who has risen early, honed their craft and dedicated themselves to providing the best bakes for their community.”
The initiative also reflects the growing popularity of food tourism, with increasing numbers of visitors seeking out authentic local food experiences when travelling around Scotland.
VisitScotland says food and drink continue to play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors, with travellers looking beyond traditional attractions to discover local producers and distinctive regional flavours.
Cat Leaver, Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence at VisitScotland, said:
“We welcome this mouth watering initiative which seeks to celebrate bakeries who make their communities so special and help to support a vibrant visitor economy.
“Our latest trends report shows that food and drink are front of mind for visitors this year, with ‘Scran seekers’ looking for authentic experiences, packed with real local flavour.
“Visitors will ‘knead’ no excuses to treat themselves on The Ultimate Scottish Bakers Trail, which is jam packed with some tasty destinations.”
For Highland bakery lovers and visitors alike, the new trail offers another reason to explore the region, one bakery at a time.
