Traditional Scottish Cooking Class in Edinburgh
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This experience offers a relaxed and welcoming introduction to Scottish food culture through hands-on cooking. Rather than simply watching a demonstration, guests actively prepare traditional dishes themselves, learning practical techniques and working with classic Scottish ingredients such as smoked haddock, local dairy, and buttery shortbread dough.
The class takes place in a small-group setting in Leith, one of Edinburgh’s most vibrant food neighbourhoods. Alongside cooking, guests enjoy a curated tasting of Scottish cheeses and share the meal they have created together at the end of the session. The focus is on participation, conversation, and discovering Scotland through its food in a friendly and informal atmosphere.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
What To Expect
During this hands-on cooking experience in Edinburgh, you’ll learn how to prepare classic Scottish dishes in a relaxed, small-group setting. Your host will guide you step-by-step through the process of making Cullen Skink, Scotland’s famous smoked haddock soup, using traditional ingredients and techniques. While the soup cooks, you’ll take part in a curated Scottish cheese tasting, discovering a selection of local cheeses and learning about Scotland’s rich dairy traditions. You’ll also bake traditional buttery Scottish shortbread, one of the country’s most iconic sweet treats. At the end of the class, everyone sits down together to enjoy the meal you’ve prepared, accompanied by tea, coffee, and a taste of Scotland’s beloved Irn-Bru. You’ll leave with new cooking skills, printed recipes, and a deeper appreciation for Scottish food culture
Sample Menu
main
Cullen Skink
A traditional smoked haddock chowder
starter
Cheese tasting
A curated selection of Scottish cheeses
dessert
Shortbread
Traditional buttery shortbread
Options
Wee Kitchen Standard rate
Cooking class Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: 2 and a half hours Lunch: You will eat the food that you have during the session
What‘s Included
Lunch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Delightful and delicious
beckyrJ220EX,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ailsa is delightful! She demonstrates each step, gives a little history to the dish, and our food was delicious. I would take another class with Ailsa!
Would definitely recommend!
Gill655,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Lovely evening (3 hrs) spent with around 12 other people, cooking, and then eating, 3 delicious Japanese bar food dishes. Everything was very well organised with ingredients and utensils laid out for us in advance, and Ailsa was relaxed and friendly as she demonstrated the preparation and cooking stages. She put everyone at their ease, and gave us lots of general cooking tips. Good to know her classes also support the Cyrenians.
Yummy and Fun
985florencek,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00it was really a nice experience .
Best relaxed time
jeffbbill,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Unbelievable cooking experience so fun. Ailsa, was amazing, she was so nice and helpful. Had the best time
Excellent hands on cultural experience!
Tierca H,May 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The cooking class was SO fun! Ailsa is a fun person to be around, and she taught us so much about cooking and Scottish culture. Highly recommend!
Japanese cooking class
O4674VGkirstyp,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience at the japanese cooking class. came with my best friend for her 30th birthday as we have a shared loved of cooking. Ailsa explains everything super clearly and the class was such a joyful experience
Hen party
833georgiek,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic hen activity! Amazing food and Alisa is such a great host.
Fab host, great tips, thoroughly recommended
Curious29975356769,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ailsa is a fantastic host and it really shows how much thought she has put into her classes and the overall experience. Class is hands-on, fun and lots of great tips and tricks to learn. Would defo recommend and would love to join another of her classes!
The wee kitchen cookery school - a great experience!
T611PXanneb,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic afternoon, Ailsa was brilliant at engaging us all and teaching new cooking skills. Sitting down as a group at the end and enjoying the food we'd just cooked added to the experience. I'd thoroughly recommend it!
Got to try the traditional Scottish class
davidrO9135ZT,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome food and a great chef!!
Related Experiences
Operated by Eat With Ailsa Cooking Classes