Location 1: Forfar

If you are lucky enough to be in Forfar on the second Saturday of the month a morning visit to the Angus Farmers’ Market is a must. A great variety of stallholders attend regularly selling the best of local produce including fruit and vegetables, meat, baked goods, artisan drinks and much more. The market is also held in Montrose on the first Saturday of the month and a market is now held every second month (on the last Saturday) in Arbroath.

Whilst you are in Forfar remember to pick up some iconic Forfar Bridies. This distinctive meat pasty has been made in the town by baker’s McLaren’s and Saddlers for generations. It’s even the half-time snack of choice at the local football ground!

Location 2: Kirriemuir

From Forfar, head inland to the small picturesque town of Kirriemuir. Here you can enjoy a delicious lunch at 88 Degrees in the centre of town. Next, take a stroll around the corner to the Star Rock Shop, a sweetie lovers paradise established in 1833, and treat yourself to a bag of your favourites. JM Barrie, author of Peter Pan, was brought up in Kirriemuir and in later years had bags of Star Rock sent to him in London.

In the village of Glamis is The Gin Bothy. Owner Kim Cameron calls herself the ‘Accidental Gin Maker’ after experimenting with left over fruit from her jam making. The Gin Bothy has now become highly successful with a whole range of flavours including raspberry, rhubarb, and of course Bothy Original. Visit the tasting rooms and try them for yourself.

A short drive away is Armstrong’s Bar and Restaurant where you can end the day with a relaxing meal in a beautiful countryside location.

Location 1: Arbroath

No food-lovers visit to Angus would be complete without a visit to Arbroath, home of the Arbroath Smokie. There are still a whole host of smoke-houses around the harbour area making this smoked haddock delicacy, and the mouth-watering smell permeates the air. If you are lucky you might get the opportunity to see the smoking process for yourself, using the same process which has been used for hundreds of years. Explore the Arbroath Smokie Trail to find out more.

Pop into any of the fishmongers in the area and get some to take home with you. Many will vacuum pack them for you. Take a stroll around the harbour area – shellfish is still landed here so you might get the chance to see the boats coming in and unloading their catch of lobster and crab.

Marco’s on the Shore sells a tempting range of homemade ice-cream so you can enjoy a cone while you take in the scenery, or if you are hungry there is a fish and chip shop next door!

Location 2: Carnoustie

Head along the coast to Carnoustie for a visit to Gather. This lovely deli stocks lots of local goodies including an impressive array of beers and spirits from local businesses including potato vodka producers Ogilvy Spirits. Close to Carnoustie are East Scryne and Balhungie berry farms. At both locations you can buy freshly picked soft fruit including strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. In the summer months you can sit and have a coffee and a sweet treat in the sunshine.

If you still have a craving for cake, Milton Haugh is a few miles inland. This farm shop is an ideal spot for picking up locally produced vegetables, eggs and meat. This is also the location of The Corn Kist Coffee Shop which serves amazing afternoon teas daily. The attention to detail is exquisite with generous portions of sandwiches and cakes. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, a savoury version is available, or you can have a mixture of the two. Everything is handmade daily on the premises and you can always take some away with you to have later if you get too full!