BBQs are a quintessential summertime activity. You're enjoying the sun, laughing with friends and family, and debating when the meat is finally cooked and ready to devour.
But one thing every BBQ must have is high-quality, locally produced meat. There's something about eating meat that's been sourced from a nearby, real working farm. It just oozes quality from the moment you take your first bite.
We want to help you plan the best BBQ possible, so we've put together a short blog on exactly how you can do this, and importantly where you can find the best meats around.
Shop locally for quality meat
Many of our Go Rural farm members are Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) approved. This means they produce meat for the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands. When you see these logos, its a guarantee that meat has been born, reared to exacting standards and conditions, and processed in Scotland and you will know you are buying high quality, great tasting produce from well cared for animals.
The quality and freshness of buying directly from real working farms is unmatched. You will know exactly where the meat has come from, and if you buy from a shop on the farm in person, you'll understand the conditions the animals were kept in. There’s also a high likelihood that meat from local farms will have fewer ‘added extras’, giving it a much more meaty, natural, and fresh taste.
There’s also the sustainability factor to consider. Buying local means fewer food miles, which in turn is better for the environment. Plus, it helps support the local economy. So, not only will the meat taste infinitely better, but you’ll also be doing your part for the environment and the local economy - what's not to like?
Best meats for the perfect BBQ
So much to choose from! This can be influenced by what you feel like having on the day, the company you’re with, or how adventurous you want to get:
Beef: A BBQ staple. Whether in the form of juicy burgers or a mouthwatering steak, beef always satisfies.
Pork: Another BBQ favourite. From classic pork sausages to flavourful pork burgers, pork dishes bring a robust taste to your BBQ.
Venison: Once a staple in the Scottish diet, venison offers the leanest and most nutritious option among red meats. Venison sausages and burgers are hard to beat.
Lamb: With more sheep than people in Scotland, you bet it must taste good! Lamb kebabs are a delicious addition to any BBQ, offering something a little different.
Chicken: A versatile BBQ favourite. From succulent grilled chicken breasts to flavourful kebabs, chicken is a crowd-pleaser. It also absorbs marinades wonderfully!
Special Meats: Expand your BBQ horizons with meats like buffalo and goat. Buffalo burgers are fantastic, the meat boasts a deeper red colour and a sweeter, richer taste compared to beef. Goat meat, similar to lamb but slightly tougher and leaner, adds variety to your BBQ.
Top tips for your BBQ
Preheat The BBQ
Ensure your BBQ is properly preheated before cooking. Allow it to heat up for 10 - 20 minutes to guarantee even cooking across the grill and to prevent food from sticking to the grates.
Marinade Your Meat
Take your meat to the next level by marinating it a few hours before cooking. This process infuses the meat with delicious flavours and helps tenderise it. Some of the farm shops listed below will also sell their own marinade, so it's worth picking some up a long with your meat.
Don’t Forget The Veggies
BBQs aren’t just about meat. Include a variety of vegetables like corn, peppers, and courgette. Brush them with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before cooking. Again, many of the farm shops sell their own fresh veg too, so make sure to come away with a selection!
Rest The Meat
After grilling, let your meat rest for at least 5 - 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavourful.
Serve With Style
Presentation matters. Serve your meats and veggies on a nice platter, garnish with fresh herbs, and provide a variety of sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and fresh bread to complement the main dishes.
Congrats, you now have your perfect BBQ!
Where to buy the best meats
And now most importantly, where can you go to buy the best meats? Well, luckily for you there's plenty of options!
Below we have listed over 30 real working farms that produce their own meat and sell it directly to consumers, either online or through an on-site farm shop. These businesses are scattered throughout Scotland, so find the ones closest to you and give them a try. Some farms specialise in certain meats, while others offer special BBQ meat packs.
Take a look through our list and cheers to having the perfect BBQ!
1littlefarm, Dumfries & Galloway
Alvie & Dalraddy Estates, The Highlands
Auchmaliddie Mains Beef, Aberdeenshire
Damn Delicious, South Lanarkshire
Drumsleed Meats, Aberdeenshire
Duncan Family Farms Farmshop, Argyll & Bute
Elchies Estates, Moray Speyside
Errichel Farm Shop, Perth & Kinross
Glenkilrie Larder, Perth & Kinross
Grobdale of Girthon, Dumfries & Galloway
Little Rowater Farm Shop, Aberdeenshire
Logie Steading, Moray Speyside
Long Island Retreats, South Uist
Louise's Farm Kitchen, Aberdeenshire
Macbeths Butchers, Moray Speyside
Marshall's Farm Shop, Aberdeenshire
Mill of Inverarity Farm Shop, Angus
Nether Glenny Farm, Stirlingshire
Peelham Farm, Scottish Borders
Rannachy Farm Shop, Moray Speyside
Portnellan Organic Farm, West Dunbartonshire
Solsgirth Home Farm, Clackmannanshire
The Brand Family Larder, East Lothian
The ELF Bothy at East Lugtonridge Farm, North Ayrshire
The Homestead Cafe and Farm Shop, Scottish Borders