Scots have always had a major sweet tooth, and our love of items like Irn-Bru and sweeties like Tablet and Edinburgh Rock is only rivalled by our desire for chocolate. In case you didn't know, it's World Chocolate Day (July 7), meaning we have an excuse to indulge our passion for our favourite treat.
As you'll know passion is infectious, so instead of settling for a wee chocolate bar, why not check out one of Scotland's top chocolate makers or experiences? You'll be delighted to hear that not only do we love eating chocolate, but Scotland also has some truly passionate people who make it too.
With that in mind, we thought we'd take a look at some of the best chocolate makers you'll find around Scotland.
Highland Chocolatier, Pitlochry
One of the most recognisable names in Scottish chocolate, Iain Burnett trained in Belgium, France and Switzerland in his quest to hone his skills and make the best chocolate around.
Iain and his team now specialise in using single-origin cocoa from the volcanic island of São Tomé, which the expert chocolate maker has personally selected for its flavour to mix with fresh Scottish Cream to create a taste sensation you won't soon forget.
Bare Bones Chocolate, Glasgow
Named Bare Bones Chocolate by creators Lara Messer and Cameron Dixon as a nod to their no additives, no emulsifiers promise.
Beginning in Lara’s parents’ garage in the village of Eaglesham, their brilliant farm to bar chocolate is now wrapped by hand in Vegware compostable sheets and sealed with a signature ‘Handcrafted in Glasgow’ label from their new base in Glasgow.
The passionate pair now have a slew of awards and rightly so, as their chocolate bars are a little hit of luxury.
Cocoa Mountain, Durness
Anyone taking a trip on the NC500 of late will no doubt have heard of this excellent little producer situated in the beautiful Balnakeil Bay.
Famous for their hot chocolate – which is perfect on a cold day – they also produce a range of delightful truffles and chocolates you can buy to take away with you.
Founders James Findlay and Paul Madden are true experts in their craft and always offer a warm Highland welcome.
Cocoa Ooze, Aberdeen
Only 17 in 2008 when he launched his chocolate business, Cocoa Ooze founder Jamie Hutcheon has now been an Aberdeen institution ever since.
Having secured investment on BBC2s Dragon’s Den, he now offers an incredible range of chocolates, workshops and team-building experiences for anyone who loves chocolate.
Lime Tree Larder, Kilbirnie
Repairing a redundant stable on his farm, Alex Wilson decided to do something a little different and launch Lime Tree Larder.
Now found at the end of a lime tree-lined avenue (planted in the 1920s), the Larder is located just 20 minutes from Glasgow, and specialises in ice cream and hand-made chocolates.
Don't worry if you want to get hands-on too as they offer workshops and children's parties and you'll get to try their now-famous ice cream cakes.
Chocolate Tree, Edinburgh
Edinburgh-based husband and wife team Alastair and Freidereke Gower are the passionate pair behind Chocolate Tree - the innovative chocolate flavour makers.
Keen to ensure their success is shared with the farmers who make their cocoa, they pay higher prices to these farms in Peru, Colombia, Venezuela and Madagascar to ensure their communities benefit as much as the local residents in Edinburgh do.
The best part about eating their delicious chocolate is it will leave you feeling virtually guilt free.
The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience, Edinburgh
The Chocolatarium offers an immersive chocolate-making experience where you can make your own Scottish-themed chocolate and sample a wide selection of chocolates from both Scottish and international chocolatiers, including haggis and gin chocolates.
Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.
READ MORE:
Giant six-foot halibut arrives at Edinburgh fishmonger weighing 121kg
What it is like to visit Glen Ord distillery on the NC500 just outside Inverness
