You could browse through an Inverness delicatessen, search out the branch of Harrods at Shin Falls, catch a Farmers Market at Portree. There are smokeries in Strathspey (and other places), and special home-made pies in Lochinver. Highland cheeses are much sought after, while the word is out about the wealth of edible fungi in the Highlands.

All this fresh produce inspires local chefs. Don't be surprised to find that even small places feature good restaurants - try the seafood at Kishorn, for example, Plockton or Kyle of Lochalsh. Meanwhile, the island of Skye has one of the world's top fifty restaurants, according to Restaurant magazine.

There are whisky distilleries from Old Pultney in the north to Ben Nevis in the south and Talisker on Skye. There are traditional breweries - Skye, Black Isle, Kinlochleven and even Food and Drink Festivals around Inverness & Nairn and Skye & Lochalsh as well as a fish week in Ullapool. In short, the food and drink is one more reason to visit the Highlands.