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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Sean Murphy

The best places to get fish and chips around Scotland in the sunshine

When the sun shines there is nothing better than a fish supper; the crunch of the golden batter mixed with the sharp tang of salt and vinegar (or salt and sauce for our East coast pals) and a crumbly bite of haddock – delicious.

A favourite of people visiting the seaside for generations, it's that extra treat that really just makes any sunny day even better.

And Scotland is one of the best, if not the best, for a chippie in the UK and fish experts Amity Fish Co., who work with some of the top chippies around the country, agree: "We truly believe that Scotland has one of the most impressive natural larders in the world, especially when it comes to seafood.

"Around our coastline our fishing communities give us access to the most amazing fish and shellfish and it's great to see both our trade customers and consumers becoming more passionate about sourcing great quality Scottish produce.

"We are definitely seeing more customers show an interest in provenance and sustainability when it comes to where they buy their food and this is reflected in what our best fish and shops are now offering over the counter."

So, whether you live nearby or are bookmarking them to visit when the weather is good, here are some of the best places around Scotland to get fish and chips.

Anstruther

Squirrelled away in the East Neuk of Fife you'll find the top destination for fish and chips on the east coast and one of Scotland's most picturesque fishing villages around.

Head to the ever-popular Fish Bar - be prepared to queue - and new challenger The Wee Chippy , which has won plaudits from Michelin-star chefs no less, for a master class in fish and chips by the sea.

While the Waterfront Chip Shop is a family-run chippie that's been serving up locally sourced fish suppers for over two decades and was recently named one of the best in the country.

Glasgow

Glasgow-based Catch was recently named the best in Scotland (Catch FB)

Scotland's biggest city is home to some terrific fish and chip shops, from a wee fish tea at the classic Chippy Doon the Lane in the city centre, to the ever-popular Philadephia in the West End, you'll have plenty of options.

But stray a bit further out and you'll come across the new wave of fish and chip specialists doing things a bit differently.

Check out the likes of Hooked and Salt and Vinegar in the southside or Catch with its venues in both the southside and the west end (recently named the best fish and chip restaurant in Scotland), for plenty of extra options.

Aberdeenshire

The Ashvale Whale. (The Ashvale Facebook)

The northeast is home to more than a few cracking options, beginning with Lows in Westhill and Aberdeen, with the family-run firm, which has served the local community for over three decades, recently being named among the best in the country.

Over in Dyce, modern chippie Sea Salt and Sole is another that's rightfully winning plaudits for its extensive menu from the classic Haddock and chips and homemade pies to specials like Katsu Chicken and monkfish scampi.

And it wouldn't be a fish and chips list with local institution, The Ashvale , which has no less than seven venues across Elgin and Aberdeenshire and has counted famous names such as Kenny Dalglish and Mel Gibson among its customers.

Their chippies are also home to the epic Ashvale Whale (a one-pound haddock fillet), which has to be seen to be believed.

Stonehaven

Not only is Stonehaven an ideal location to while away the afternoon, but it's also home to two of the country's top fish and chip shops.

First off, the Bay Fish and Chips which has been working wonders with locally caught sustainably sourced fish and the Carron Fish Bar , which was named Scotland's best just last year by industry authority Seafish.

Ayrshire

The Plaice to Be has been notching up quite a few award wins recently (Kilmarnock Standard)

With heading 'doon the watter' a popular choice for Glaswegians on sunny days, it'll come as no surprise to hear places such as Largs and Ardrossan mentioned as classic fish and chip destinations.

And it's in the former you'll find one of the best places in Scotland for a Fish Tea, Nardini's of Largs - oh, and did we mention that they specialise in ice cream too?

A hidden gem in Kilmarnock, the Plaice To Be has been quietly garnering a reputation as one of the best chippies in the country over the past few years, scoring some big award wins.

Edinburgh

The capital might be more famous for its castle and its architecture, but Edinburgh still holds its own on the chippy front.

From old favourites like The Montgomery, L'Alba D'Oro and Gold Sea to new arrivals such as the mighty Bertie's in the Old Town and the Fish Market in Newhaven, you'll be spoilt for choice.

Be warned though, Salt and Sauce is the gold standard here, so if you aren't adventurous you might want to clarify that it's just plain old salt and vinegar you're after.

St Andrews

The historic town of St Andrews may be best known for its prestigious golf courses but dig a little deeper and you'll soon find that there are top chippies to be found too.

Cromar's Classic Fish & Chips is a regular name in the best fish and chip shop awards list, not just for Scotland but for the UK, while local rival Tailend has four generations of fish mongering expertise to source the best cod and haddock around to make its incredible suppers.

Arbroath

The sunny north east coast is a choice destination for everyone from golfers to beach lovers but Arbroath is also a haven for battered fish merchants with Marco's On The Shore, Peppos Harbour Chip Bar and the Cairnie all vying for the title of the best in the area - if not the whole of the north east.

Perthshire

Situated on the West Highland Way within The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Tyndrum is surrounded by some incredible scenery.

A base camp for walkers and nature lovers it's also where you'll find the excellent - Real Food Café which has just opened a unique drive-thru option for those seeking a quicker fish and chip fix.

The Dunkeld Fish Bar sits at the heart of the local Perthshire community, and is well known to people who regularly travel on the A9.

The famous House of Bruar at Blair Atholl is another that will be well known to seasoned travellers, already famous for its high-quality Scottish products, the fish and chips on offer here are also well worth the trip.

Isle of Skye

After enjoying a magical visit to the Fairy Pools or marvelling at the ethereal landscape of The Quiraing, there is nothing better than a visit to the picturesque Portree where you'll find some incredible fish suppers from the likes of The Chippy or the Lower Deck.

Shetland

The most northerly fish and chip shop in the UK is the award-winning Frankie's. An island institution it offers stunning fish and chips along with an array of specials as well as views over Busta Voe.

Sutherland and Ross and Cromarty

Scrabster Seafood Bar in Caithness works closely with fishing boats landing in the nearby harbour to ensure you only get the freshest in-season ingredients for your supper.

Over in Alness, local favourite The Eating Plaice is considered to be one of the top locations in the Highlands to get a brilliant fish supper.

Dumfries and Galloway

Nestled in the heart of Dumfries and Galloway, family-run Moore's Fish and Chips in Castle Douglas has been frying up fish and chips for over 35 years and regularly make the 'Best in Scotland' lists published by industry experts every year.

The Cafe Royal in Annan was established by the Pagani family some 50 years ago and is one of the area's best-loved eateries.

Don't miss the top culture and heritage stories from around Scotland. Sign up to our twice weekly Scotland Now newsletter here.

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