Lemon Sole
Microstomus kitt
Confusingly, not a sole at all — lemon sole is actually a dab, and has no connection to true Dover sole. That said, it's an excellent, delicate flatfish at a fraction of Dover sole prices, landed in decent volumes at Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
Seasonality
Buying
Firm white flesh, clean sea smell, bright markings on the upper side. Whole fish should feel heavy for their size.
Storage
Fridge for 1–2 days. Delicate; avoid freezing if possible.
Cooking methods
Whole pan-fried on the bone in brown butter. Goujons with tartare sauce. Fillets with brown shrimp and samphire.
At a glance
More species guides
Langoustine
Scotland’s most valuable seafood export — and, bafflingly, a product most Scots have never eaten. Also called Dublin Bay prawns, Norway lobster, or scampi in its cheapest incarnation. Fresh, whole langoustines landed on the west coast are one of the great seafood experiences in the world.
North Sea Cod
The backbone of Scottish fish and chips. North Sea cod has been through stock collapse and recovery cycles; look for MSC-certified Icelandic or Barents Sea if you’re unsure about provenance.
Scottish Salmon
Scotland’s most exported food product by value. Virtually all salmon you buy is farmed — wild Atlantic salmon is critically endangered and mostly reserved for catch-and-release sport fishing. Look for RSPCA Assured or organic labels for higher welfare.