Scots vote on the best and worst parts of Scottish breakfast
VisitScotland has polled the nation on their best (and worst) parts of the full Scottish breakfast, revealing that bacon, toast and tattie scones are Scotland’s most loved items.
Article Source: Visit Scotland
Last Updated: 2 October 2023 14:37
WHAT WE LOVE MOST ABOUT THE SCOTTISH BREAKFAST: A PUBLIC VOTE
• New research surveyed 1000 Scots to uncover what they think the best (and worst) parts of the full Scottish breakfast are, revealing that bacon, toast and tattie scones are the nation's most loved items.
• According to the research, Scots aren’t keen on fried mushrooms or fried tomatoes
• More than half (57%) of Scots said they eat a full Scottish breakfast at least once a month and prefer to have tomato sauce with their full Scottish
Food is a vital part of a country’s heritage. It’s how tradition weaves into everyday life, generation after generation and serves as a unifying force that binds us as a community.
From porridge, which dates back 5,500 years to Stone Age settlers in the Outer Hebrides, to a filled Glasgow roll that thousands grab on their way to work each morning, a hearty breakfast encompasses many important parts of Scotland’s culture. It also celebrates the amazing local ingredients that can be found on our doorstep - whether it’s famous porridge oats milled in Fife, award-winning Ayrshire Bacon and Stornoway Black Pudding, or organic local milk and free-range eggs from local Scottish farms.
And who could forget perhaps the most iconic one of all: the full Scottish breakfast. But get a group of Scots in a room and ask them what their favourite parts of the full Scottish breakfast are, and debate would likely erupt!
To settle the age-long debate once and for all, a survey of 1000 Scots uncovers which parts of the full Scottish breakfast they like – and dislike – the most.
How would Scots score each item of the full Scottish breakfast out of 10?
The verdict is in, the research found that bacon, toast, and tattie scones are the most popular food items in a full Scottish, with Scots scoring the items 8.4, 7.8, and 7.7, respectively, out of 10.
After tattie scones, the next highest-scoring native Scottish item was Lorne (or square) sausage, with an average score of 7.5.
When it comes to the lowest-scoring Scottish breakfast items fried mushrooms and fried tomatoes came in last with scores of 5.5, and 4.8, respectively.
Interestingly, the only age group who did not score bacon the highest out of 10 was 25–34-year-olds, who scored tattie scones the highest, with an 8 out of 10.
It also seems that tastes for the iconic Scottish haggis and black pudding acquire with age. Where the under-45s scored haggis an average of 5.3 out of 10, the over-45s scored it 6.1. Similarly, those under 45 scored black pudding 5.4 out of 10, whereas with those over 45s, the scoring jumps to 6.9.
What is the one part of the full Scottish breakfast people say they couldn’t go without?
While Scots might’ve scored bacon, toast, and tattie scones the highest out of all the items in a full Scottish breakfast, the things they said they simply couldn’t go without differ slightly.
The highest scoring item, bacon, remained on top, with 21% of Scots saying they couldn’t go without this on their full Scottish breakfast plate. Following bacon was Lorne sausage, with about 1 in 5 (19%) Scots saying they couldn’t go without this, and then tattie scones again in third place (17%).
Looking at the items Scots said they would remove from the full Scottish breakfast if they could, most Scots (22%) said they would take fried tomatoes off the dish. Almost 1 in 5 (18%) said they would remove fried mushrooms, and nearly 1 in 6 (14%) would remove baked beans.
How often do Scots eat a full Scottish breakfast?
Imagine stepping into a local café, such as The Peerie Shop Café in Shetland, where the aroma of freshly prepared Scottish breakfast fills the air. Or picture the cozy comfort of the Kirkwall Hotel in Orkney, where you can relax and indulge in a charming atmosphere. And let's not forget about the authenticity of a local farm shop like Gloagburn Farm Shop in Perth, where you can connect with local ingredients. Regardless of where visitors or Scots find themselves eating in Scotland, they’ll undoubtedly be able to find a full Scottish breakfast as an option on the breakfast menu.
But how often are Scots actually eating a full Scottish breakfast?
The research found that more than half (57%) of Scots say they eat a full Scottish breakfast at least once a month! 18–24-year-olds were found to eat a full Scottish breakfast most frequently, with almost two-thirds (62%) of respondents in this age group saying they eat the dish at least once a month. They were also the age group most likely to say they eat a full Scottish breakfast daily, with about 3 in every 100 saying this.
Red or brown sauce?
Another debate sparking question is that of whether people prefer to adorn their full Scottish breakfast with red sauce or brown. According to the results of the research, red sauce was the overall winner, with 2 in 5 (40%) of Scots saying this was their preference. However, it was a close tie with brown sauce, with just over a third (36%) of Scots voting for this. Interestingly, 26% of Scots prefer their breakfast without either of them.
Renowned chef and restauranteur, Nick Nairn is a firm supporter of the award-winning produce that goes into creating the iconic traditional Scottish Breakfast.
“Scotland is world renowned for the freshest of local ingredients that can be sourced and purchased across the entire country. There really is no limit on how to put together your own twist on breakfast in Scotland but I am massive champion of local is best; the real magic happens when you steer clear of supermarket goods and treat yourself to only the tastiest locally-produced foods available. The more local it is, the better, plus it’ll be tastier and good for you too.
We boast farm shops in Scotland that offer the freshest of eggs, artisan bakers that specialise in hand-crafted breads to the succulent bacon, sausages and haggis on offer at local farmers’ markets, and of course there are a plethora of farms that offer the juiciest hand-picked fruits and berries. Of course you can also add more decadent items to your breakfast treat such as the iconic Scottish smoked salmon. The list is endless. I urge you to draw up your own personalised breakfast menu for a truly memorable feast to start your day in Scotland”.
Lauren Pirnie, VisitScotland Regions & Sectors Marketing Manager comments: “Food and drink is such an important part of the tourism experience. In fact, sampling traditional dishes and local produce is the second top activity undertaken by visitors to Scotland. When it comes to breakfast, then we are spoiled for choice with a huge array of mouth-watering delicacies and even better, so many places to enjoy them; from B&Bs and hotels to Michelin-starred restaurants, farm shops and local eateries.”
For more information, please visit: https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/food-drink/full-scottish-breakfast
Sponsored Links
Latest East Renfrewshire News
itison Drive In Movies Christmas is back!
itison's Drive In Movies Christmas has announced its return to Loch Lomond Shores this December with the festive spectacular running over not just one, but two weekends!
READ MORE
French Film Festival UK 2024 Programme Announced
The French Film Festival UK have announced the 2024 programme with more than 200 screenings of 60 French-language films across more than 25 different locations.
READ MORE
Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound is coming to the cinema for one night only!
Lightbulb Film Distribution have announced that Mogwai: If The Stars Had A Sound will be released in UK & Irish cinemas for one night only on November 19th.
READ MORE
Dobbies offers free festive inspired workshops in November
Dobbies Garden Centres will host free festive-inspired events, giving people of all ages the chance to create garden-inspired gift ideas and Christmas decorations through fun, hands-on activities.
READ MORE
Huge Charity Partnership Between Cash For Kids and Three Major Seasonal Events
25p from every ticket sold for Fawkes Festival, Starry Nights at Dean Castle and the brand-new Starry Nights experience at Beecraigs Country Park will be donated to Cash for Kids.
READ MORE
Nominations now open for East Renfrewshire Citizen of the Year 2024
East Renfrewshire Council has today (28 October) begun its search for Citizen of the Year 2024 as it looks to celebrate a resident who goes the extra mile.
READ MORE
Become a ghost hunter as VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles
The spooky season has arrived and VisitScotland reveals the most haunted castles and shares expert tips for capturing real ghosts.
READ MORE
Tickets go on sale for the largest wedding showcase in Scotland
Following a successful event at the SEC last weekend, tickets for the 2025 Scottish Wedding Show are on sale, giving brides and grooms-to-be the chance to secure tickets to the upcoming event.
READ MORE
rEDOLENT wins The Scottish Album of the Year Award
rEDOLENT ‘dinny greet’ was last night announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award in Stirling’s Albert Halls.
READ MORE
People of Scotland invited to have their say on priorities for heritage in Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to the people of Scotland for input on draft plan to help country’s heritage deliver real, lasting benefits for all.
READ MORE
East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Celebrates Book Week Scotland
East Renfrewshire libraries will host a series of free events for adults and children to celebrate Book Week Scotland (18-24 November 2024).
READ MORE
New winners announced for the 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards
With just over a week to go until the sold-out 2024 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards at Barrowland Ballroom, the prestigious awards ceremony has announced its latest winners.
READ MORE
Scottish Institute prepares to welcome the next generation of performers
The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film & Television is preparing to open its doors on 31st October, inviting potential future students to explore its state-of-the-art facilities.
READ MORE
One week until Paisley Halloween Festival returns
Paisley Halloween Festival which comes back to town next week with some exciting event changes to celebrate its 10-year anniversary... here's everything you need to know!
READ MORE
SAY Award unveils bespoke glass prizes and Ceremony performances
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has revealed a first look at the remarkable sculpted glass prizes this year’s Shortlist will receive.
READ MORE
Celtic Connections to shine bright this winter as 2025 programme unveiled
The world’s leading folk, roots and world music festival Celtic Connections has unveiled its ambitious, multi-faceted programme for 2025.
READ MORE
Into Film Festival Scottish Programme Announced
Education charity, Into Film Scotland, has launched the 11th Into Film Festival programme and bookings are now live for this year’s exciting edition in November.
READ MORE
The Scottish Wedding Show rings in its return to Glasgow this October
Country's largest wedding showcase is back and giving Scots the chance to snap up free tickets.
READ MORE
October holiday fun for ALL the family at Loch Lomond Shores
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted with loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs and loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Garden Centre gives children a magical grotto experience
Dobbies Garden Centres is unveiling a magical line up of festive experiences for all the family to enjoy this Christmas, including the much-loved Grotto which is back with a brand-new look.
READ MORE
Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday
This weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions across all stores.
READ MORE
Spooky season brings iconic classics and horror hits to Vue venues in Scotland this Halloween
Some of the latest horror blockbusters, as well as creepy classics and enchanting family favourites, will be heading to the big screen at Vue this Halloween season!
READ MORE
Biggest number of Sands Ribbon Displays ever for Baby Loss Awareness Week
Bereaved parents and families across Scotland remember together all those lives lost too soon.
READ MORE
The biggest weekend in Scottish running has arrived!
Over 30,000 runners will participate in the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run this weekend, making it the biggest staging of the event yet!
READ MORE
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show out on tour across Scotland
Comedian Craig Hill takes his latest hit show, I've Been Sitting On This For A While!, out on tour across Scotland later this month!
READ MORE
Amazing Silent Discos is bringing retro silent disco to The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow
After a string of sold-out events across the US, Amazing Silent Discos is bringing its unforgettable retro silent disco to the iconic Old Fruitmarket for one night only on Saturday 2 November!
READ MORE
Enjoy a SPOOKtacular half term with Stena Line
If you're looking for exciting ways to keep the kids entertained this half-term, look no further than Northern Ireland!
READ MORE
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers comes to cinemas nationwide on 6th November
Exhibition on Screen brings the National Gallery's stunning Van Gogh exhibition to the big screen, along with a deep dive into his fascinating life and incredible skill.
READ MORE
Get ready for a great big Living History Week
Historical re-enactors will be heading to Historic Scotland sites across the country this October for this year's Great Big Living History Week!
READ MORE
SAY Award announce Shortlist and Modern Scottish Classic winner
The Scottish Music Industry Association (SMIA) has today revealed the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2024’s Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links