3 foraging hotspots in Scotland
Come autumn, the thought of foraging for food in woods and hedgerows feels within grasp. But experienced foragers keep their best spots secret, so where’s a beginner to start? Donald Reid picks out three guided foraging walks within reach of Glasgow and Edinburgh
Aberfeldy
The Perthshire town’s Open Gate Festival 2025 is all about engaging with local food, programming a number of fungi forays, and foraging walks led by local experts Duncan Pepper, Lilla Valler and Charlotte Flower (Thursday 4 & Friday 5, Sunday 7 September). Plus, there’s a forager’s feast at the Scottish Crannog Centre (Saturday 6 September).
Visit the official Aberfeldy site.
Beecraigs & Almondell Country Parks
In groups of no more than 12, Amy Rankine leads foraging expeditions in West Lothian for seasonal plants and mushrooms, emphasising identification tips and everyday practicality as well as foraging practices that are mindful of local ecoystems. Kids are encouraged to join, with walks on Saturday 7, Sunday 13 September, Saturday 4 and Sunday 26 October.
Visit the official Forage Livingston site.
Fife Seaweed Fest
Foraging ain’t all just strange mushrooms and bramble thorns. As this inaugural festival highlights, there are riches in the wrack along our coastline. The festival programme (Saturday 6–Sunday 14 September) ranges across films, talks, cooking demos and art workshops, with a seaweed identification expedition led by Whitehouse Foraging at Kingsbarns (Saturday 13 September).
Visit the official Fife Seaweed Fest site.