Barbecue dreams & Scottish skies, recipes for when the weather doesn't play ball

Scottish Rain

There’s something magical about the smell of smoke in the air and the sound of something sizzling on the grill. It signals slow afternoons, bare feet in the grass, glasses clinking, and a welcome pause from the usual rush. But let’s be honest—barbecuing in Scotland isn’t always sunshine and roses.

At Meg’s Scottish Kitchen, we believe in making the most of the season, come rain or shine. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny beach in Argyll or flipping burgers under a brolly in the garden, these recipes are here to make it simple, tasty, and stress-free.

Barbecues in the Mist: A Story from the Highlands

Misty Loch

A earlier this summers, we packed up the car and headed for Loch Lomond with a cool box full of lamb koftas, marinated veg, and skewers ready to go. The weather promised "light

cloud"—which of course meant torrential sideways rain within twenty minutes. But we lit the barbecue anyway, popped open the boot for shelter, and wrapped ourselves in blankets while the smoky scent of garlic and paprika filled the air.

We cooked, we laughed, and we learned the number one rule of barbecuing in Scotland: don’t wait for the perfect weather—just start cooking.

Two Foolproof Barbecue Recipes for Busy People

Barbecue at night

Smoky Scottish Lamb Koftas with Mint Yogurt

Serves 4 | Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g Scottish lamb mince

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 30g coriander, chopped

• Sea salt and black pepper

To serve

• Flatbreads or wraps

• Mint yogurt (natural yogurt + a handful of chopped mint + lemon juice + salt)

• Chopped cucumber and tomato salad

Method

1. Mix all the kofta ingredients together and shape into small sausage-like patties.

2. Thread onto skewers (soaked if wooden) and grill over medium heat until browned and cooked through, turning once.

3. Serve in flatbreads with mint yogurt and salad.

💡 No barbecue? Pop them under the grill indoors instead—nobody needs to know.

Grilled Halloumi & Courgette Skewers with Lemon & Oregano

Vegetarian | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 8 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 courgette, sliced into ribbons

• 250g halloumi, cubed

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Freshly ground pepper

Method

1. Toss everything together and thread onto skewers.

2. Grill for 3–4 minutes each side until golden and bubbling.

3. Serve with warm pittas and a drizzle of chilli honey if you like a kick.

Barbecue Tips for the Brave (and Damp)

Cosy Blankets

Have a Plan B. A grill pan on the hob works wonders when the skies open.

Prep ahead. Marinate the night before, then all you need is heat.

Blankets, flasks, and fairy lights make even the greyest evening feel like a festival.

Lean on local. Scotland’s producers offer world-class meats, cheeses, and veg that shine on the barbecue.

So, What's Your BBQ Backup Plan?

At Meg’s Scottish Kitchen, we believe in flavour without faff and joy in every bite. Whether you’re dodging raindrops or soaking up a rare scorcher, these recipes will bring a taste of summer to your plate.

📮 Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly inspiration, stories, and recipes straight from my Scottish kitchen.📚 Explore my cookbooks for more easy meals using seasonal ingredients.📲 Tag @MegsScottishKitchen with your barbecue creations—we love to see what you’re cooking!

Want to do something more with beautiful summer ingredients than just throw them on the grill? Look no further—we’ve got you covered here at Meg’s Scottish Kitchen. Tasty recipes without the stress.