SPRING has sprung, the daffodils are in bloom, and amid the persistent Brexit gloom at least we’ve got something to look forward to … no, not sunshine (let’s be realistic) … chocolate! And it needn’t be any old mass-produced chocolate, either.
Scotland is home to plenty of chocolatiers producing everything from bars and thins to truffles and hot chocolate. And, of course, Easter eggs.
If you’re searching for a luxury treat, try looking north. Durness is home to Cocoa and Perthshire is the base for Iain Burnett (aka the Highland Chocolatier), who learned his trade in Belgium, Switzerland and France and now leads a team in Perthshire. Easter offerings include boxes of Belgian praline mini eggs and traditional Easter eggs in milk, dark, white and Chinese ginger dark chocolate.
READ MORE: Made in Scotland: The chocolatiers behind Cocoa Mountain
James of Arran has colourful floral boxes packed with chocolates, caramels and pralines, or for a shimmering touch opt for Golden Goose eggs from COCO Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. Made from single-origin 40% Colombian milk chocolate (or 60% Colombian dark chocolate if you prefer), these decadent half-dozens are dusted with luxurious edible gold.
If you’re on a slightly tighter budget, The Cocoa Bean Company offers simply packaged handmade eggs with sweets of your choice from just £4.95, and if you’d like to gift eggs but calorie-counting is a concern then Glasgow-based Twa Burds Soaps offers half a dozen egg-shaped bath bombs in a range of fragrances.
Whether you’re eating real eggs or chocolate ones for your Easter breakfast, Scotland’s independent makers have accessories to brighten up your dining table. The All Washed Up Shop based in Prestwick has Easter bunnies handmade from driftwood, each of which comes with its own mini egg basket and can be personalised with a name of up to 10 characters, while Bee’s Crochet Creations in Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire offers super-cute egg hats and even bunny-themed bunting, and Crochethookers in Aberdeen has just the Easter bonnet to keep your little lamb’s head warm.
Continuing the ovine theme, maker Aileen Clarke from Kingskettle, Fife has incorporated a sheep and lambs into her beautiful needle-felted creations, including jewellery and keepsake boxes, and has also turned her “little lamb” picture into a card that would make a perfect Easter greeting.
If you’d like an extra Scottish touch to your Happy Easter message, The Wee Loft in Insch, Aberdeenshire has a tartan bunny complete with button tail, and Marjory Tait of Highland Celtic Art in Inverness has combined snowdrop with Celtic knots to stunning effect.
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