Scotland’s bakery sector is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of The Ultimate Scottish Bakers Trail 2026, a first-of-its-kind interactive digital experience celebrating the craft, community and people behind the nation’s favourite bakes.
Curated by industry body Scottish Bakers, the trail will officially launch at Carr’s Flour Mill, marking a fitting tribute as the business celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. Having supplied flour to generations of Scottish bakeries, the mill stands as a symbol of the heritage and craftsmanship that underpin the country’s thriving baking industry.
Designed as an immersive storytelling hub, the digital trail invites users to explore bakery locations across Scotland while accessing exclusive video interviews with the bakers themselves. The campaign is fronted by food writers Julia Bryce and Rosalind Erskine, who travel the length of the country meeting the people behind some of Scotland’s most iconic breads, pastries and sweet treats.
From the Highlands to the Borders, the trail shines a light on both ‘Industry Icons’ and ‘Local Heroes’. Larger-scale bakeries demonstrate how tradition and innovation can work hand-in-hand to deliver quality at scale, while independent artisan businesses showcase the vital role bakeries play at the heart of local communities.
Featured stops on the trail include Harry Gow Bakery and Maclean’s Highland Bakery in the Highlands, The Bread Guy Bakery in the northeast, Clarks Bakery in the Lowlands, Babyfaced Baker and Carr’s Flour Mills in the Central Belt, and T.A. Francis in the Borders.
Lesley Cameron, CEO of Scottish Bakers, said: “Scotland has an extraordinary baking industry, built on generations of skill, innovation and pride. We want people to see the passion, talent and hard work that exists in bakeries right across the country. Behind every loaf, pastry and biscuit is a baker who has risen early, honed their craft and dedicated themselves to providing the best bakes for their community.”
The initiative also taps into the growing appeal of food tourism, as travellers increasingly seek authentic culinary experiences. VisitScotland has identified a rise in so-called “scran seekers” – visitors who turn to social media and food creators to uncover local produce and hidden gems.
Cat Leaver, Director of Strategy and Competitive Intelligence at VisitScotland, added: “We welcome this mouth-watering initiative which celebrates bakeries that make their communities so special while supporting a vibrant visitor economy.
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“Our latest trends report shows that food and drink are front of mind for visitors this year, with ‘scran seekers’ looking for authentic experiences packed with real local flavour. Visitors will ‘knead’ no excuses to treat themselves on The Ultimate Scottish Bakers Trail, which is jam-packed with tasty destinations.”
To explore the trail and access the interactive map, visit: https://scottishbakers.org/bakery-tour.php
