6 September 2024

One of Scotland’s lesser-known but delightful pastimes is blackberry picking. As the summer months give way to the crispness of autumn, bramble bushes across the country start to offer up their treasures: juicy, sweet blackberries. This age-old tradition connects people to the land and the seasons, offering a chance to forage, enjoy nature, and perhaps turn your haul into delicious jams, crumbles, or simply enjoy them fresh from the bush.

When to Go Blackberry Picking in Scotland

Blackberry picking season in Scotland typically begins in late August and can last through October. The best time to go is when the berries are fully ripe, which means they should be plump, shiny, and easily pull away from the bush with little effort. Keep an eye on the weather too, as a few days of sunshine can bring the berries to peak ripeness.

If you’re lucky enough to have sunny days leading up to your blackberry picking, you’ll find the sweetest and juiciest berries. However, don’t be discouraged by a bit of rain—it’s Scotland, after all! Just make sure to dress appropriately and embrace the adventure.

Where to Find the Best Blackberries

Scotland’s varied landscape is perfect for foraging, and blackberry bushes (often called brambles) are easy to spot. They grow in hedgerows, along footpaths, and at the edges of woodlands. Some of the best places for blackberry picking include:

• Countryside Walks: The Scottish countryside is full of hidden blackberry patches. Walks through areas like the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, and the Highlands can often lead you to bushes laden with berries. Keep your eyes peeled along field edges and country lanes.
• Parks and Green Spaces: Even in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, blackberries can be found in public parks and green spaces. Holyrood Park in Edinburgh or Pollok Country Park in Glasgow are great places to start.
• Coastal Areas: Scotland’s rugged coastline is also home to many bramble patches. Coastal walks near places like Fife, the Moray Firth, or the Ayrshire coast often yield great blackberry finds.

Tips for Blackberry Picking

To make the most of your foraging trip, keep these tips in mind:

1. Bring the Right Tools: A small bucket or basket is perfect for collecting berries. Avoid bags, as they can squish the fruit. If you want to keep your hands clean, bring along gardening gloves, as blackberry bushes are thorny.

2. Pick with Care: Only pick ripe berries—these will be dark purple or black. Unripe berries, which are red or green, should be left on the bush to ripen. Try to avoid pulling too hard on the stems; a gentle tug is all it should take.

3. Leave Some for the Wildlife: Birds and other wildlife rely on blackberries as a food source. Be mindful of your surroundings and take only what you need.

4. Watch for the Weather: Blackberry picking is best done on dry days, not only because it’s more pleasant but because wet berries are harder to store and can spoil quickly.

5. Stay Safe: If you’re blackberry picking in a more remote area, wear sturdy footwear, and watch your footing, especially if you’re near a slope or water. Blackberry bushes can sometimes be found in bracken, which is home to ticks, so make sure to check yourself after your forage.

What to Do With Your Blackberries

Once you’ve returned with your bounty, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few ideas:

• Blackberry Crumble: A classic British dessert, blackberry crumble is a warm, comforting treat that’s easy to make. Just toss your berries with a bit of sugar, top with a crumble mixture, and bake.

• Blackberry Jam: If you’ve collected a large haul, making jam is a great way to preserve your berries. Blackberry jam is delicious on toast or as a filling in homemade tarts.

• Smoothies or Breakfast Toppings: Fresh blackberries make a great addition to smoothies or as a topping for porridge, yogurt, or pancakes.

• Freeze for Later: If you can’t use all your blackberries at once, they freeze well. Simply spread them on a baking tray to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag.

A Connection to Nature

Blackberry picking in Scotland is more than just a foraging activity—it’s a chance to connect with nature, enjoy the changing seasons, and experience a small part of the traditional Scottish way of life. Whether you’re wandering through the countryside, coastal paths, or even urban parks, there’s a special joy in gathering these little black jewels.

So, the next time late summer rolls around, grab a basket, lace up your boots, and head out to explore Scotland’s bramble-lined paths. The reward? Delicious, sun-ripened blackberries and a day well spent in the great outdoors.

Blackberry Crumble

Coming soon!