Honesty Boxes in Scotland
29th July 2024
Dotted around the Scottish countryside, honesty boxes are a heartwarming tradition reflecting the trust and community spirit of rural life. These unstaffed stands offer all sorts; from fresh eggs and home-baked goods to seasonal fruits and vegetables, and even handmade crafts. This practice not only supports local farmers and artisans but also fosters a sense of integrity and mutual respect among residents and travellers. Here is a selection of the unique things you can find in and around honesty boxes across the country.
Ardnamurchan Community Garden Shop
The Ardnamurchan Peninsula is known for its wild and unspoiled beauty and is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. On this remote headland, golden eagles are a fairly common sight, as well as red deer, otters, and other rare animals. Amongst this stunning wilderness is a rich and thriving community. A tangible example of this is the community garden shop. It is an unmanned shed regularly stocked by local growers from the large garden behind it. There is usually a plethora of seasonal veg, sauces and even flowers. If you find yourself on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula you really must pop in to see what’s on offer.
Comrie Golf Club
Honesty box golf is fairly common at the smaller clubs across Scotland. It offers a way for clubs to collect fees for maintaining the course, without having to staff the course every day. Comrie Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque village of Comrie in Perthshire, Scotland, offers a delightful golfing experience amidst stunning natural scenery. Established in 1891, this charming nine-hole course is set against the backdrop of rolling hills. If playing outside of manned hours, simply pop your fee in the box and start playing. The course is well-maintained and features a mix of demanding holes that cater to golfers of all skill levels.
Honesty Camping at Valtos
Valtos Beach, located in Uig on the Isle of Lewis, is a breathtakingly beautiful spot. The beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rolling dunes, offering a tranquil and picturesque escape. It is the perfect spot for a wild camping experience. The maintained pitches are provided for people to enjoy with a donation to the honesty box. This ensures the area is cared for and preserved whilst allowing people to enjoy the serenity of the location.
Inverlussa Mussels Honesty Box
Scottish seafood is a delicacy and mussels in particular benefit from the pristine waters around Scotland’s coasts. Inverlussa Mussels, farmed in the waters of Loch Spelve on the Isle of Mull, are renowned for their exceptional quality and taste. These mussels are cultivated sustainably, benefiting from the nutrient-rich waters of the loch, which contribute to their wonderful flavour. You can pick up mussels from the honesty box on the shore, right where the mussels are landed.
Shetland Cake Fridges
Shetland cake fridges are a bit of a cultural tradition found across the Shetland Islands. These unattended refrigerators, located in rural areas and outside homes or community spots, are stocked with a variety of home-baked goods such as cakes, scones, and biscuits. Customers are invited to take their chosen treats and leave the appropriate payment in a nearby box. This charming practice not only showcases the community’s trust and integrity but also provides a wonderful way to enjoy locally made delicacies.
When travelling around the Scottish countryside, we definitely recommend stopping in at some honesty boxes to see what you can find. You never know what delicious treats could be in store. Honesty box culture is something we are very proud of in Scotland and it is a testament to the trust and honour of our communities. If you would like to book a trip to Scotland with Away from the Ordinary, get in touch today.