Twenty Delicious Years of the Highland Chocolatier

A Celebration, and a Thank You

Two decades ago, Master Chocolatier Iain Burnett and his family set out to create chocolate of genuine craft and character, rooted in patience, provenance and an uncompromising eye for detail. Twenty years on, that ambition remains unchanged and more local families are involved. And the circle of people who have welcomed our chocolates into their lives has grown. To mark the occasion, we invited some of our longest standing customers to tell us, in their own words, why they return again and again. Their replies were generous, thoughtful and, at times, deeply moving. Here's what they said...

Unique

“As a long term returning customer your products and service can simply be summarised to us in one word which is ‘unique’.. Unique is defined as 'one of a kind' or 'having no equal'. Highland Chocolatier chocolates are not mass produced on a large scale ‘factory’ like production line... Sustainable with the shortest journey from creation to customer... The excellent protective packaging shouts quality even before you get to the chocolates themselves.” - D.M., Helensburgh

Loyalty That Spans the Decades

Some of our customers have been with us almost from the beginning. J.P., now in his 93rd year, first discovered us at our previously held shop in St Andrews:

“This started my affair... with your delightful goods, and it has continued on and off ever since. All I can say is whoever gets one of your chocs from me always say ‘Who made these?’ and I have great pleasure in saying The Highland Chocolatier.” - J.P., St Andrews

Others found us on journeys through Scotland, and have been returning ever since.

“In between we just have to send for chocolates, as they are the best we’ve ever had. We’ve gifted truffles to several friends and they agree! Not only the chocolates but the lovely staff and swift level of service are to be commended.” - B.M., Cornwall

“We fell in love with your chocolates several years ago after visiting Pitlochry and our IB chocolate experiences! I send to friends for special celebrations too who always express delight at flavours and presentation box!” - V.W., Lichfield

A Matter of Taste

Above all, our customers speak of flavour, texture and an attention to detail that is evident in every box.

“Consistently excellent and the best I have ever tasted... When I have given as presents they have been appreciated. Different to when I have given an ordinary box of chocs.”-  S.R.W., South Norfolk

“The quality of the chocolate and the depth of flavour. The velvet truffles have a very smooth, rich texture which is easier to appreciate because there’s no coating to interrupt it.” - Nell, Cambridge

“I have ordered your chocolates many times as the combination of beautiful presentation and the visual spectacle of the design of the truffles is matched by the quality and range of flavours, making them a perfect present for any occasion... people are always impressed with the gift.”-  A.W., Edinburgh

Across Oceans, and Across Generations

For many, a box of our chocolates is a way of reaching those they cannot be with.

“I keep coming back because the chocolate is just better than any other chocolate I’ve ever tasted. I send my son in the USA an Easter Egg every year and he so looks forward to it. He just can’t get anything anywhere near comparable in the USA.” - R.C., Glasgow

“I send your chocolates to both mums every once in a while and they absolutely love them. We travel back and forth quite a bit to Scotland to see them and I hope one day I will get to visit your shop.” - G.B., Texas, USA

The Art of the Thoughtful Gift

Time and again, we heard that our chocolates are chosen for the moments when words fall short.

“My friends and relatives rave about the originality and quality of the taste and presentation of the chocolates and many have gone on to be customers themselves. I know that if I want people to know they are important to me and I really care about them this is a gift that says just that.”- E.N., St Andrews

“I know gifting a box of chocolates has cheered a friend when things are not going well... when the flavours and texture hits the tongue it’s like a mini meditation!... During covid when everything was taken away from us all, it was so, so good to order a little treat from Highland Chocolatier – and because the chocolates were so good, I kept coming back for more!” - A.M., Belfast

“I am so happy to request chocolate gifts for family and friends as the chocolates are magnificent! A joy to look at and taste!... I remember the sheer delight of a family member and a friend when they each received a box of chocolate truffles!” - E.C., Glasgow

Shared Commitment to the Community 

For some, it is the principles behind the chocolate that matter just as much as the chocolate itself.

“The attention to detail, craftsmanship and consistency of your chocolates make them a pleasure to give as gifts... We are also pleased to support a business whose values extend beyond its products, particularly your commitment to the local community and charitable initiatives.” - N.C., Perthshire

"I love that it’s a family business and that you support communities in west Africa." -G.B., Texas, USA

"...Your commitment as a successful ethical local Scottish community business additionally supporting community education in West Africa. I do think this is giving something important back to local chocolate enterprises in a similar way to coffee and is worth emphasising."- D.M., Helensburgh

With Gratitude from The Highland Chocolatier

With deepest thanks,