Top 10 delicacies in the Borders
You'll have to make sure you try all of these!
Last updated 1st May 2019
The Scottish Borders are renowned the world over for their incredible natural beauty and the warm welcome from its residents. There is another particular reason that we Borders folk are proud of our little corner of the world, and that is our amazing array of things to eat or drink. Our delicacies come with vast history, stories and even a song!
Now take a look at some of our local delicacies including Jethart Snails and Hawick Balls
Jethart Snails
Jethart Snails sound a bit slimy, but these are in fact special confectionary which bring a legacy to sweet production in the Borders. The history of these sweeties dates back to the Napoleonic wars. It is alleged that a prisoner-of-war gave the secret recipe for them to a local family; the Millers, and the peppermint flavoured boiled sweets have been produced here ever since. The locals love their taste and the fact that they come with a little bit of history.
Eyemouth Fish and Chips
If you are looking for a traditional fish supper, then Eyemouth has to be your destination. In particular, Mackays of Eyemouth is the local residents' top choice. Their fish and chips attract diners from miles away, and their ice cream is pretty well-known too.
Borders Lamb
A list of the best food in the Borders wouldn't be complete without a little boast about Borders Lamb. The Borders are very proud of their high-quality meat, and in a region where there are ten sheep for each single person, it is clear they are the experts when it comes to lamb meat.
Local Ales
After a feast of sweets and lamb, there is nothing you need more than something to wash it down with. Fortunately, this area is also the proud home of local ale production. The Border's Ales are genuinely refreshing and represent the area. Some favourites to try include Tempest Brewery, Broughton Ales and of course Born in the Borders.
Local Distilleries
Ale is not the only local drink to enjoy. It isn't widely known, but the Borders is now a thriving hub for local distilleries. Gin lovers are spoilt for choice by gems from the Kelso Gin Company, Lilliards Gin, Selkirk Distilleries and Hawick Gin.
Hawick Balls
Hawick Balls are delicious traditional sweets, much loved around these parts and further afield. Hard-boiled creamy sweets, they are peppermint-flavoured with oodles of butter. We challenge anyone to dislike them! Hawick Balls are probably the most famous sweet treat to come out of the Borders, thanks to the legendary rugby commentator Bill McLaren.
Selkirk Bannock
For those unacquainted with Selkirk Bannock, it can sound a bit like a battle! But on the contrary, it is a scrumptious buttery bread which makes for a perfect teatime treat. The richness of its taste is attributed to an extensive and lengthy baking process, including multiple fermentation stages. The first loaves of Selkirk Bannock were made in the late nineteenth century by Robert Douglas and the current bakery leading its production is run by the great great grandson of Alex Dalgetty, who worked for Douglas himself.
Berwick Cockles
Folks in the Borders love their sweets, but particularly the minty kind! Berwick Cockles are softer, melt-in-the-mouth sweets, but they are still minty all the same! Although they are soft in texture now, they were traditionally hard-boiled.
Gala Soor Plooms
After the delicious lamb, a Border’s resident needs another sweet treat! Look no further than Galashiels and its Soor Plums. The bright green hard-boiled sweets are a genuine local delicacy and are now widely available much farther afield. If you want a change after the minty sweets, try some soor plums, they have a sour apple flavour and carry quite a kick!
Coulter’s Candy
Coulter’s Candy; another delicious bonbon which is a fond favourite with the residents of the Borders, and also comes with its own piece of history and a song. Dating back to the 1870s, these aniseed-flavour toffee treats were made by Robert Coultart, a local mill worker.
As he visited markets and fairs to sell his candy, he made a song to go along with them. The words of the song still roll off the tongues of Borders’ residents, but perhaps not at the same time as eating the toffee.
If there is something on this list you haven’t tried, today is the day to remedy that, or perhaps you have just been reminded of an old favourite that you have to have again. Enjoy!
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