Scottish Picnic Customs: Compare and Contrast

[MacRobert's Reply]

One version only happens on those few warm, dry and midge-free days when we can use an open-top car. With a picnic basket on the boot rack; two tartan rugs (perhaps even the folding chairs); chicken drumsticks, salad, wholemeal roles, cheese and oat cakes, chilled white wine and fruit - the whole event is rather posh.

The other, more common, version is in the hills with a rucksack, sitting on the waterproofs if we're not wearing them; ham or cheese and pickle roles and fruit with a flask of tea (hot soup if the temperature on the hill is below freezing). Snacking is on 90% cocoa dark chocolate, watter and a wee dram from the hip flask.

BTW, there is no bad weather in Scotland ... just bad waterproofs.

[Jock Scot]

Well, modest or not so modest, Mr and Mrs Jock like to have a hot cup of coffee or tea with our picnic. To that end we have our constant picnic companion the "Kelly Kettle". Invented some 100 years ago, some 2 pints of water can be boiled in all weathers, swiftly,safely and with a minimum of fuel---- just a few twigs picked up on your travels, or a handful wood bits from the bottom of the wood basket at home, before venturing afield.

Getting ready.




Getting up steam.



Voila! Boiling water for a cuppa in less than five minutes and another brew on the way.

[MacMillans son]

My gawd Jock, what are those things on your legs??!!

[kiltimabar]

One version only happens on those few warm, dry and midge-free days :

Is there a midge-less season (other than mid-winter) when one can plan on having an outing with a reasonable expectation of comfort?