About Bothies and Bannocks
Unless you’re familiar with Scots language, you’re probably wondering where the name Bothies & Bannocks comes from. Let me explain. In the North East of Scotland, a ‘bothy’ refers to a farm or estate outbuilding with very basic amenities. Generations of farm labourers passed down traditional folk songs known as bothy ballads from the mid-1800s. Sharing tales of hard agricultural work and rural life was a popular way to wind down after an honest day’s graft working the land.
Unless your familiar with Scots language, you’re probably wondering where the name Bothies & Bannocks comes from. Let me explain. In the North East of Scotland, a ‘bothy’ refers to a farm or estate outbuilding with very basic amenities. Generations of farm labourers passed down traditional folk songs known as bothy ballads from the mid-1800s. Sharing tales of hard agricultural work and rural life was a popular way to wind down after an honest day’s graft working the land.
And what better way to enjoy a ‘fly cup’ than with a tasty bannock. There are almost as many different bannocks as there are regions in Scotland. In Aberdeenshire a bannock is a hearty pancake usually served with butter and jam, whereas in Angus it refers to an oatcake, and in the Borders it’s more like a fruit loaf.
And as the saying goes “Grinny maks the best bannocks”, meaning everyone in the North East is convinced that their Granny makes the best pancakes! Have a look at our blog post titled “Bannock Recipe” to see my Bannock recipe, one which has been with me since a child.
And what better way to enjoy a ‘fly cup’ than with a tasty bannock. There are almost as many different bannocks as there are regions in Scotland. In Aberdeenshire a bannock is a hearty pancake usually served with butter and jam, whereas in Angus it refers to an oatcake, and in the Borders it’s more like a fruit loaf.
And as the saying goes “Grinny maks the best bannocks”, meaning everyone in the North East is convinced that their Granny makes the best pancakes! Have a look at our blog post titled “Bannock Recipe” to see my Bannock recipe, one which has been with me since a child.
So what’s that got to do with food and drink tours? Well nothing really! They are just great Scottish words with slightly different uses in different parts of the country. To me a bannock reminds me of homely hearty North Eastern food and bothies represent adventure. Hence the tagline Taste Adventure. Both bothies and bannocks are a great talking point, when on tour with guests I love finding out what they associate with these two words.
Meet your Host
Calum Lockerbie
As children, we were never starved of a ‘fancy piece’ with both Mum and Granny’s award-winning rock cakes, bannocks, scones, traybakes and cakes all on regular rotation. The homemade jams and preserves added to these were made from wild rasps from the woods, strawberries from the garden or whatever happened to be thriving that year.
Meet your Host
Calum Lockerbie
As children, we were never starved of a ‘fancy piece’ with both Mum and Granny’s award-winning rock cakes, bannocks, scones, traybakes and cakes all on regular rotation. The homemade jams and preserves added to these were made from wild rasps from the woods, strawberries from the garden or whatever happened to be thriving that year.
After 4 years living in the city I started to miss the Aberdeenshire countryside and lifestyle, so I returned home. On my return, I rediscovered my love for the area and the huge amount of quality local produce.
