"I have designed and driven, or guided so many tours in Scotland, it's hard to count them! But, each time I am away on tour, or even taking time to explore myself, I am amazed at the expertise of the chefs around the country, not only in star restaurants, but small family restaurants and pubs. This has persuaded me to design a very special tour where I know you will enjoy the cuisine, some you will need a shirt and tie to dine, whereas others, jeans are fine! So then, here is my ultimate food and drink tour of Scotland". PAUL MCLEAN,  Senior Partner MCLEANSCOTLAND.

Your tour starts at Edinburgh or Glasgow whichever is best for you. This is a suggested itinerary, we can easily adapt this to suit your needs. The first location on the trip is Inveraray, passing Loch Lomond en route. The hotel is a wee gem, friends of mine own this and I am sure you will love it as much as I do by the time you leave. "The emphasis on the menu is using the very best of local quality, well hung West Highland beef and lamb. Seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. These ingredients are used imaginatively and simply to produce well cooked meals at a fair and reasonable price". I couldn't agree more, having dined here many times, the choice is good and anything from a fish supper (fish and chips) to Char grilled collops of wild Argyll venison with figs stuffed with goat’s cheese & walnuts served on red cabbage, fondant potatoes and red wine bitter sweet chocolate sauce.

DAY 2 sees you exploring the local area for the many historic sites and glorious Argyll scenery. Not to mention superb food stops, the pub at Kilmartin is great for better than average pub food, tried it myself!  Other noteable stops include; Tayvallich Inn, Nr Lochgilphead, Argyll. Tel: 01546 870282 EXCELLENT SEAFOOD!  The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar on Loch Fyne, not only great food, they have a superb shop too! Another night at Inveraray, och aye, by the way, their bar is so well stocked with beer, real ales, whisky and spirits & wine, you will do as most people do, stare at the bar for ten minutes before ordering! Just the whisky selection alone is immense. WHISKY TASTING EVENING.

DAY 3 ah, off to my birthplace; Oban, capital of Scottish seafood and rightly so, two excellent restaurants here EE USK & THE SEAFOOD TEMPLE. If it's seafood you want, look no further. In fact so good you need to stay the night, so why not consider a wee sail before dinner? I love Oban. OBAN DISTILLERY TOUR.

DAY 4 away east to Inverness passing through the Great Glen (inc Loch Ness). Here there is so much choice for you, great wee pubs with excellent pub food, to sublime restaurants such as Mustard seed http://themustardseedrestaurant.co.uk    www.abstractrestaurant.co.uk   www.castletavern.net run by Maclean's. www.rocpoolrestaurant.com  VISIT TO BEN NEVIS DISTILLERY

DAY 5 as we are so close, it has to be done! A Speyside whisky day out! With names such as Glenfiddich, Glenlivet, Macallan and many, many more, you are approx 70 minutes drive away from the largest whisky collection of distilleries in Scotland. We know some good restaurants too! Overnight again here.

DAY 6 ah, doon to Perthshire where I live just now. What choices we have here for you, not only excellent accommodation, but more whisky distilleries, wee breweries and fine restaurants. I live in Perth and here we have pubs galore and superb restaurants too. The Bothy, Deans, Tay Street to name a few, pubs; why not share a drink with me at one of my locals? Pitlochry is also well recommended to eat, drink and stay! VISIT DEWAR'S DISTILLERY.

DAY 7 one more day and night here in Perthshire. On the first Saturday of each month, Perth has a farmers market, run by a good friend of mine, you will find produce here so fresh and tasty, you wish to eat it there and then, and, you can do! Try this www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk

DAY 8 and so to our Capital; Edinburgh. So many options here for sightseeing, dining and tasting, it's unbelievable! One of my favourites has to be the Dome on George Street, everything about it feels right. www.thedomeedinburgh.com www.fishersbistros.co.uk www.haldanesrestaurant.com www.thewitchery.com   VISIT TULLIBARDINE DISTILLERY

The tour ends here, or does it? We can easily add more dates for you.

WHISKY and whisky cocktails, not just for the expert, whisky is for everyone to enjoy.