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

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Stirling News

Creative organisations invited to take part in special Stirling 900 cultural celebration

Creative organisations are being invited to take part in a special cultural night on Friday 28 March as part of Stirling’s 900th anniversary finale celebrations.

Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling

THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow

Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!

Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland

Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.

Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies

This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.

Stirling Castle set to host a belated Burns Night celebration

On Saturday 8 February, Stirling Castle will be hosting a belated Burns an' a' that, a celebration of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns.

New exhibition to celebrate the literary history of Stirling

Stirling’s remarkable literary history is being celebrated at a new exhibition to mark the city’s 900th anniversary.

Free and great value half term activities at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families this February half term.

itison Us charity call out

itison Us have thousands of free respite experiences available for small Scottish charities.

Pavilion Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup with James, Ewan McVicar, Annie Mac, Ben Hemsley, Happy Mondays and more

Pavilion Festival has today announced the huge lineup for its third year on Ayr Beach with James, Annie Mac, Happy Mondays, Ewan McVicar, Ben Hemsley and more playing live!

Warning of rogue traders following Storm Eowyn

Stirling Council is urging residents and businesses to be wary of rogue traders looking to take advantage of the damage to property caused by Storm Eowyn.

Trust launches storm appeal following extensive damage across Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland has launched an appeal to support emergency work needed to deal with the devastating destruction caused by Storm Éowyn.

Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show launches a mythical map of Scotland with lead Scottish tour company

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland has partnered with Andy The Highlander to create an Enchanted Map of Scotland's most enchanted locations.

Scottish hospitality group serves up new digital loyalty scheme to cut customer bills

Scottish hospitality group, Signature, has launched an innovative new digital loyalty scheme to help cost-conscious customers save money dining out.

Scottish Golf events go LIVE for 2025

Top amateurs and handicap golfers can now sign up for one or more of Scottish Golf's 33 championships in a packed 2025 schedule.

Live Music Now Scotland announces unparalleled new award

Live Music Now Scotland is delighted to announce a funding award of £150,000 from Elizabeth Lornie's Charitable Trust.

Pavilion Festival returns to Ayr Beach with Saturday lineup curated by Ewan McVicar

Pavilion Festival Presents: Ewan McVicar B2B Ben Hemsley, special guest Annie Mac, along with DJ Seinfeld, Sally C, Robert Hood (Floorplan) and more on Saturday 3rd May!

BBC Debate Night returns for 2025

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

Huge 90s pop dance stars heading to Royal Highland Centre for Forth 50 Live!

Forth 1 have today announced details of Forth 50 - Live!, a huge celebration to mark the station's 50th birthday with an epic line up of 90s pop dance acts at The Royal Highland Centre.

Penguin Trail in Stirling hailed a success

Stirling’s first Penguin Trail has been hailed a success after increasing footfall around the city and offering festive fun for shoppers.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with a roster of blockbusters at Vue venues in Scotland

Vue venues across Scotland will be showcasing a mixture of the latest big screen blockbusters from China as well as an anniversary screening of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Dobbies free February workshops

Dobbies Garden Centres’ popular Little Seedlings Club and Grow How workshops return for February, inviting gardeners and families to get hands-on at these free sessions.

Pawsome New Year Resolutions remove over 39 million pieces of litter

Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution have boosted the ranks of the “PAWS ON PLASTIC’ charity to 27,000.

Border Caravans Announced as Headline Sponsor of the Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show

The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show is delighted to announce Border Caravans as the new headline sponsor for this year's event.

World Gaelic Week unveils largest programme to date

Seachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled details of its most diverse, ambitious and largest programme to date, bringing together speakers, learners and enthusiasts from across Scotland and beyond.

Finalists Selected for 2025 Stirling Business Awards

A shortlist of finalists for the 2025 Stirling Business Awards has been announced after more than 26,000 votes were cast during the selection process.

Stay Active this January at Gravity Active

Don’t let the shorter days and chilly weather get you down this January, stay active and experience boundless fun at Gravity Active!

Strike a PAWse: Brand new Valentine event for dogs at Dobbies

Dobbies is encouraging paw-rents across the UK to show their pooches some love this Valentine's Day at its brand-new dog event that will raise money for national dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust.

First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney launches the Doddie Aid 2025 campaign at Murrayfield stadium.

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

Popular Listings

Macrobert Arts Centre Stirling Castle The Albert Halls Stirling The National Wallace Monument Tolbooth Stirling

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Stirling News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings