Love Potatoes on Tour: Inverewe Gardens & Heritage Spuds

We recently took a break and headed to the beautiful west coast of Scotland, soaking in the wild landscapes, fresh sea air, and peaceful pace of life. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Potato House holiday without a detour to see something special… and we found it at the breathtaking Inverewe Gardens, just outside Poolewe.

Run by the National Trust for Scotland, Inverewe is known for its subtropical plantings and stunning views across Loch Ewe. But tucked away in their productive garden — among the berries, herbs, and vegetables — was a sight that made us grin… heritage potatoes growing in the Scottish sunshine!

It’s always a joy to see these traditional varieties being grown, especially in a setting that celebrates Scotland’s horticultural history. We spotted several familiar names:

• Edzell Blue – A Scottish classic with its rich blue skin and fluffy white flesh. A real old-timer that still wins hearts.

• Valour – A newer heritage-style variety, known for its disease resistance and excellent yield.

• Pentland Javelin – A dependable early cropper, perfect for new potatoes.

• Shetland Black – Stunning purple-black skin with a ring of colour inside. A Victorian heirloom with a nutty flavour.

• Salad Blue – A favourite for its vibrant purple flesh that holds colour even when cooked. Great fun for mash or crisps!

• Highland Burgundy Red – Eye-catching with its red flesh and white ring. Originally bred for the table of King Edward VII.

• Pink Fir Apple – The knobbly favourite! Full of flavour, waxy, and perfect for salads. A real conversation piece.

Seeing these varieties thriving in such a special place was heartwarming. They’re not just beautiful, they’re living history. Each one tells a story of Scottish potato breeding,  British farming and history as well as flavour, and resilience.

It also got us thinking — what’s on your list to try this year? Would you eat any of these? Have you already? We’d love to hear which heritage varieties you’re passionate about.  Please leave a review if you have eaten any of these potatoes (found on a tab on each variety) 

These old favourites bring flavour, colour, and a little bit of magic to every harvest. And if you’re ever near Inverewe, do pay them a visit — the gardens are incredible.

Not only do these heritage varieties look beautiful in the garden, but they also shine in the kitchen. Each has its own unique flavour and texture, making them a real treat for cooks. The nutty depth of Shetland Black, the creamy smoothness of Valour, the buttery notes of Pink Fir Apple, and the vibrant colour of Salad Blue all bring something special to the plate. Whether you’re making a warm potato salad, colourful mash, or simply roasting with a little olive oil and sea salt, these spuds prove that flavour hasn’t been bred out of our food, it just needs rediscovering.

As well as the potatoes, the whole experience at Inverewe Gardens was superb. The gardens themselves are stunning!  Full of colour, structure, and inspiration for any grower. We also enjoyed a boat trip, with breathtaking views of the coastline and a chance to spot some local wildlife. And we can’t forget the café with delicious food, lovely staff, and the perfect place to refuel after a wander through the grounds. Highly recommended if you’re in the area!

Still looking at potatoes… even on holiday. We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Discover more about the potatoes we grow for your kitchen experiments.

Would you like to grow this in your garden?  See our other site Potato House for inspiration