The James Martin’s Saturday Morning star has spoken fondly of Scotland, once admitting that he almost purchased an island while filming a TV series in Shetland
Matt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor
07:00, 31 Jan 2026
James Martin has spoken fondly for Scotland(Image: ITV)
James Martin described Scotland as “one of the finest countries” after having “the most amazing” trip. The 53-year-old celebrity chef has toured the world as part of a career that began in France over two decades ago.
He trained at Hostellerie De Plaisance, Saint-Émilion, France before moving onto the three Michelin Star restaurant Maison Troisgros in Roanne. James’ career then saw him returning to the UK to work at the Chewton Glen Hotel in Hampshire.
Since launching his television career in the 1990s, James has filmed travel shows exploring the likes of Japan, the United States and Spain. But it is Scotland that holds a special place in his heart.
The proud Yorkshireman says he decided he wanted to fly from Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex to Scotland after securing his pilot’s licence in 2009. He described his solo adventure as “the most amazing trip”.
Speaking on LNER’s Routes podcast, James said: “I love the produce, I love the people, Scotland to me is one of the finest countries in the world, it’s just epic, and I never really got to explore it. When I passed my pilot’s licence it was one of the first trips that I wanted to do.
James passed his pilot’s licence in 2009(Image: ITV)
“Most people do the pilot’s licence and [then you] always go coastal routes in case you get lost. If you see planes go along the coast, usually they’re lost, they’re private pilots.
“I then decided when I passed my pilot’s licence, one of my first trips, was to go to Scotland. Which is from Goodwood all the way up to Scotland, a fair long way on your own.
“It was just me in the plane and I’m flying myself…I had the most incredible trip. It was an absolutely incredible trip. It was a life-changing moment for me, it was the most amazing trip.”
It’s not the first time James has spoken of his affection for Scotland either. While filming ITV’s Islands to Highlands he says he almost snapped up his very own island in Shetland, he told The Scotsman.
James admits he almost bought an island in Scotland(Image: ITV )
He said: “I was filming with a gentleman and he said, you need to buy that. I enquired about it and kept looking back. When we left, I was thinking about it. Anyway, I walked away in the end. I was close.”
He told the publication he was “jealous” of the ingredients available in Scotland. He described the country as the “ultimate larder” praising the fruit, potatoes and seafood available.
Speaking to the Sunday Post, he added: “You don’t get a more special experience than sitting by a loch in Scotland, cooking beautiful salmon, fresh eggs, and really simple little crumpets.”
James will return to screens from 9.30am on ITV One this morning (January 31) with James Martin’s Saturday Morning. He will be joined by Status Quo’s Francis Rossi while chefs Romy Gill and Corrin Harrison will be providing dishes.
