Iain Spink holding a stick of freshly made Arbroath Smokies on Auchmithie beach near Arbroath, Scotland. Arbroath smokies hanging on sticks after being smoked on Auchmithie beach near Arbroath, Scotland. Arbroath smokies originated in Auchmithie, a small fishing village a few miles north of Arbroath. Only haddock can be used to produce an authentic 'Arbroath Smokie'. After cleaning, salting and washing, the fish are then tied by the tail in 'pairs' and hung on sticks. The smokie pit is then prepared. A hole is dug in the ground and a half whisky barrel is set into it, after lining with slates a hardwood fire of beech and oak is lit inside. The sticks of fish are then placed over the pit and a hessian cover allows the fire to breath and maintain the required heat.
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