Tag: food and drink

Keep festive traditions alive: Four in five Scots plan to enjoy steak pie as part of Hogmanay celebrations

Scots united in their love of a Hogmanay steak pie

Seven in ten (69%) Edinburgh locals say steak pie is an important part of their Hogmanay and New Year’s Day traditions, with 80% planning to tuck into the dish this year.

A Make It Scotch survey of 1,000 Scots has ignited a debate about when steak pie should be enjoyed and what to drink with it.

Scots are divided about when to eat steak pie

While traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, the Make It Scotch survey has found a third (34%) prefer to eat it on Hogmanay to kick start the celebrations with friends and family (21%), as a meal before a big night out (7%) or enjoy it on their own (6%) before the bells. The research found that two-thirds (66%) of Scots plan on keeping tradition and will enjoy their steak pie on the first day of the year. 

IRN-BRU is the nation’s favourite steak pie accompaniment

While Scots are united in their love of the traditional steak pie, some are washing it down with a more modern accompaniment. Beloved Scottish beverage IRN-BRU came out on top as the drink of choice to enjoy with a steak pie for nearly a quarter (22%) of Scots – rising to a whopping 41% of those in Stirling.

IRN-BRU overtakes Scotland’s national drink – a dram of Scotch whisky

Scots planning on eating steak pie to welcome in 2024 are as likely to wash it down with a dram of Scotch whisky (9.5%) as they are a glass of fizz from the continent – with 1 in 10 Scots saying they prefer to enjoy the dish with a glass of champagne or prosecco (9.2%).

Gordon Newlands, Scotch Butchers Club Manager, said: “With many of us reimagining how we celebrate the festive season, it’s heartening to see that some classic Scottish traditions haven’t been broken.

“For the majority of Scots, our research has shown steak pie is an important part of Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations.  Enjoying some Scotch Beef steak pie can remind us of fond memories of feasting with friends and family and remains a great way to welcome in the new year, whether on our own or with those we love.

“Whether you’re buying a pie from your local butchers or you fancy trying to make it yourself from scratch, looking out for the Scotch logos and opting for Scotch Beef will ensure you’re plating up the best quality pie to welcome in 2024.”

Regional splits across Scotland

While most Scots are united in their fondness for traditional steak pie, this new research has also revealed some interesting regional variations across the country.

When asked if steak pie was an important part of their Hogmanay or New Year’s Day traditions, 84% of Glaswegians agreed versus just 59% of people living in Inverness.

While 71% of people living in Perth prefer to eat their steak pie as part of a New Year’s Day feast with friends or family, just 37% of Aberdonians say this is their preferred way to enjoy the dish with as many as 1 in 4 (25%) preferring to enjoy it on their own either before or after the bells.

Glaswegians are more likely than those living in other cities to say they prefer to eat their steak pie before drinking on Hogmanay (10%). In comparison, Aberdonians are more likely to eat it as a New Year’s Day hangover cure (8%) than those living in other Scottish cities.

When pairing a drink with their steak pie, the beverage of choice in Glasgow is beer (26%), whereas those in Perth were more likely than any other Scottish city to prefer to pair their steak pie with a glass of champagne or prosecco (21%) and Scotch whisky is most popular in Inverness (12%).

Make It Scotch

For those seeking high-quality, local produce to make steak pie this festive period, Scotch Beef will have the ideal cut to suit. The Scotch Beef logo indicates that products are locally sourced from selected Scottish farms that adopt best practices, including animal welfare and production methods, as well as supporting Scotland’s rural communities.

For budget-friendly recipes to inspire your festive feasting, visit www.makeitscotch.com and @makeitscotch on Instagram.

Aldi to strengthen its Scottish portfolio with £56m investment over the next two years

 New stores set to open in Broughty Ferry, Straiton and Castle Douglas in 2024, with Aldi’s investment leading to 500 new jobs 

Aldi has confirmed it will continue its expansion in Scotland, with plans to invest more than £56m over the next two years, opening three new stores in Broughty Ferry, Straiton and Castle Douglas next year. 

The move supports the discount retailer’s growth ambitions and will allow it to meet consumer demands for outstanding quality and the lowest value in Scotland.  

In 2023, Aldi became Scotland’s third-biggest supermarket by volume, moving it ahead of Morrisons and Sainsbury’s for the first time. According to recently published Kantar data, Aldi’s share of the grocery market had increased from 9.7% in November 2022 to 10.6% in November 2023[1].  

Aldi has soared in popularity in recent years and welcomed more customers than ever before through its doors, with an additional 5 million customers this year.  

In addition to the new stores in 2024, the supermarket has also committed to extend five of its existing stores, including Erskine, Port Glasgow and Alexandria over the next two years.  

Having been crowned Employer of the Year at the Scotland Food and Drinks Excellence Awards 2023, the investment will see Aldi increase its employees in Scotland by over 10% in 2024.  

Aldi also recently committed to a New Year pay rise, making it the first supermarket in the UK to offer rates in line with the Real Living Wage. It will also guarantee store and warehouse colleagues pay of at least £12 an hour.  

Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Aldi Scotland, said: “2023 was another excellent year for Aldi Scotland, and I am extremely proud that our presence within the Scottish market has continued to be recognised and celebrated.

“We remain committed to the strong relationships we have built with our Scottish suppliers, allowing our customers the opportunity to purchase locally sourced, high-quality Scottish products at affordable prices.  

“As we look to the new year, we remain committed to reaching more customers than ever before, with the opening of more stores and increased investment in Scotland. Next year will be extra special for us as we mark 30 years since we opened our first store in Scotland on Glencairn Street in Kilmarnock. 

“Whether it’s enhancing our product offerings, maintaining the lowest prices, supporting our dedicated teams, or contributing to the communities we serve – every investment is a testament to our unwavering commitment to Scotland.” 

Aldi was commended for its selection of quality, locally sourced Scottish produce in 2023. Its Toradh Scottish Seville Orange Gin was awarded Gold by The Spirits Business’ Gin Masters blind tasting, while its Specially Selected All Butter Shortbread Rounds won Gold in the Christmas Category at the Quality Food Awards.  

Known for its longstanding commitment to supporting community initiatives, Aldi’s Scottish Sports Fund, which has donated nearly £400,000 to amateur sports clubs to date, will continue in 2024. The retailer’s popular Supermarket Sweep initiative will also return for its ninth year. More than £10,000 was donated to Scottish foodbanks through the initiative in 2023.  

In November, Aldi announced a new partnership with Age Scotland, encouraging shoppers to submit festive greetings to help combat loneliness amongst the elderly this winter.  

‘Pints’ of wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever

  • ‘Pint’ size wine stocked on Britain’s shelves for the first time ever thanks to new freedoms from leaving the European Union
  • Still and sparkling wine to be sold in 200ml, 500ml and 568ml ‘pint’ sizes in 2024
  • 900 British vineyards set to benefit across the country from new freedoms 

UK tipplers will soon be able to purchase ‘pint’ sized bottles of still and sparkling wine, as a new 568ml size is introduced to Britain’s supermarket shelves, pubs, clubs and restaurants, the Department for Business and Trade has announced today (27th December).

The move to introduce the 568ml size would sit alongside the 200ml and 500ml measures already available, offering more flexibility and choice for customers.

The UK’s wine sector is set for the boost as part of the Government’s smarter regulation programme to ensure regulations are up to date and agile,. The move comes following engagement with the industry, with businesses now being able to sell prepacked still and sparkling wine in 500ml and 200ml sizes as well as a new 568ml ‘pint’ quantity.

900 vineyards are set to benefit from the new freedoms, boosting production and supporting British businesses, which currently produce around 12.2 million bottles of still or sparkling wine a year*.

These optional reforms from Government are thanks to our new Brexit freedoms via the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023 and are wholeheartedly backed by industry wanting to reduce burdensome regulations.

The changes will help to boost innovation, increase business freedoms and improve choice for consumers.

Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake said: “Innovation, freedom and choice – that’s what today’s announcement gives to producers and consumers alike.

“Our exit from the EU was all about moments just like this, where we can seize new opportunities and provide a real boost to our great British wineries and further growing the economy.”

Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB said: “We welcome the chance to be able to harmonise still and sparkling bottle sizes and we are happy to raise a glass to the greater choice that allows UK producers for domestic sales.

“The Windsor Framework also means that newly packaged wine will be able to be sold by bars, restaurants and retailers in Northern Ireland – with products able to move in what is known as the retail “Green Lane”, under the Northern Ireland Retail Movement Scheme.”

In addition to announcing the deregulatory measure on wine, the Government has published a response to the consultation Choice on units of measurement: markings and sales. Following the extensive consultation, the Government has decided not to introduce any new legislation in this area. But new guidance has been issued to promote awareness and use of imperial measurements.

The Government will continue to keep this legislative framework under consideration, as part of a wider review of metrology EU derived legislation.

400 Hospitality businesses & workers sign plea to Humzah Yousaf to save Scottish hospitality 

  • Over 400 hospitality businesses and workers have signed an open letter to the First Minister Humza Yousaf urging the First Minister to save Scottish hospitality. 
  • The letter to the First Minister warns that Scottish hospitality faces a crisis and without new support at the Scottish Budget, many Scottish hospitality businesses will struggle to survive.   
  • The letter comes a week before the Scottish Budget, with the Scottish Government under pressure from the hospitality sector to match support provided by the UK Government for hospitality businesses in England.  

More than 400 hospitality businesses and workers have signed an open letter to the First Minister Humza Yousaf, urging him to save Scottish hospitality. Those signing the letter include some of Scotland’s best-loved and most recognisable bars, pubs, restaurants and hotels. 

The letter comes a week before the Scottish Budget, with the Scottish Government under pressure from the hospitality industry to match support provided by the UK Government for hospitality businesses in England. At the Autumn Statement, the UK Government announced 75% business rates relief for hospitality businesses in England for the next year. 

The Scottish Hospitality Group’s Save Scottish Hospitality campaign has warned that without new support, many Scottish hospitality businesses will struggle to survive. 

The open letter to the First Minister has attracted support from the owners and employees of pubs, bars, restaurants and hotels across Scotland. The letter warns: “without support from the Scottish Government at the Scottish Budget, we will see our much-loved local hospitality venues disappear forever.” It makes an urgent plea to the First Minister to intervene and deliver fresh support for the hospitality sector at next week’s Scottish Budget. 

The Save Scottish Hospitality campaign calls on the Scottish Government to use the Scottish Budget to provide emergency support for the hospitality industry to survive, and a new long-term deal to support the sector to thrive.

The campaign calls for: 

  • an emergency 75% business rates relief to match the support that hospitality businesses in England & Wales have received over the last year; 
  • creation of a new hospitality category for business rates, which would recognise the unique challenges faced by hospitality and ensure that rates don’t cripple hospitality businesses; 
  • a new partnership between the hospitality industry and government to develop a plan to grow Scotland’s much-loved hospitality industry and address the challenges it faces. 

Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Scottish Hospitality Group, said: “This letter is an urgent plea from hospitality owners and workers from the length and breadth of Scotland.

“The First Minister must listen to those on the frontline of our hospitality sector and deliver support to save our hospitality sector before many of the venues we love disappear forever. 

“We need to back our hospitality industry to survive and thrive, and a fairer deal on business rates would be one step the Government can take in the Budget to give our hospitality industry a fighting chance. If it can be done for hospitality businesses in England, then it can be done for Scottish hospitality too”. 

“The Scottish Government claims it wants a new relationship with the business community. It’s time to put their money where their mouth is.” 

The Scottish Hospitality Group represents many of Scotland’s best-loved, family and independently-owned hospitality businesses – from bars, pubs, and cafes to restaurants and hotels.

The Group was recently relaunched with an expanded membership, in every area of Scotland and collectively employing more than 6,000 people.  

Save-Scottish-Hospitality-An-Open-Letter-to-the-First-MinisterDownload

Le Petit Beefbar introduces their ‘Naughty or Nice’ cocktails

Le Petit Beefbar adds ‘Naughty or Nice’ Christmas cocktails to their drinks menu 

Throughout December, the restaurant will dish up some festive favourites alongside exclusive meats on their renowned menu 

Le Petit Beefbar is making a list that diners will want to check twice, with a new menu of festive cocktails, both naughty and nice. Edinburgh’s glamorous new steak destination is inviting guests for a sip of mischief and dash of Christmas cheer with these new cocktails, perfect for those both on Santa’s naughty and nice list. 

Crafted by the restaurant’s expert mixologists, get ready to jingle your taste buds with Le Petit Beefar’s “Naughty or Nice” festive concoctions. For those who proudly sit on the naughty list, Le Petit Beefbar presents ‘The Spicy Santa’, a margarita with a mischievous twist featuring Tequila, Amara Montenegro, lime, agave syrup, and a pinch of chilli for an extra cheeky kick.

Also meet ‘The Grinch’ – a green sensation with Midori taking the lead as the main ingredient, joined by white rum, lime, and lemonade for a truly sweet and sour experience.  

For those on Santa’s 2023 nice list, Le Petit Beefbar delivers a trove of cocktails that are set to send you rocking around the Christmas tree. Behold the ‘Polar Espresso Martini’, a spin on the beloved Espresso Martini, with notes of mandarin liqueur, crème de cacao, Kahlúa, orange juice, chocolate bitters, and a shot of espresso for that memorable kick.

And that’s not all, the enchanting creation, ‘White Christmas’, that features vodka, Kahlúa, raspberry cream, and a dash of homemade white chocolate liqueur – a real treat for Santa’s favourites. 

For diners looking for lunch or dinner while doing their Christmas shopping, the restaurant has added some special festive dishes to their menu for the month of December. Don’t limit yourself to just one Christmas dinner this month, indulge in the free-range turkey, complemented by Kobe karasumi mash, sprouts, butternut squash, and drizzled with Beefbar’s delicious sauce. For a delightful dessert, savor the creamy vanilla cheesecake with a hazelnut crust and fresh pear—a perfect way to finish any meal. 

For Hogmanay, it’s out with the old and in with the delicious as Le Petit Beefbar delivers a curated menu for those looking to ring in the new year with style. As the clock approaches midnight, guests can indulge in a sophisticated dinner, choosing between street food inspired options like Kobe Beef Jamon, Baby Quesadillas, or Signature Bao Buns.

Alternatively, guests can opt for the iconic Beefbar classics, deciding over the Paradise Pepper Fillet or the mouthwatering Miyazaki Wagyu Striploin. These dishes can also be accompanied by Le Petit Beefbar’s irresistible sides, comprising hand-cut fries with parmesan & black truffle to their signature mash. Each guest will also receive a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne on arrival, adding a touch of class to the celebrations. 

Le Petit Beefbar General Manager, Jean-Francois Greyer said: “We wanted to spread some festive cheer in true Le Petit Beefbar fashion, which is why we have introduced our ‘Naughty or Nice’ cocktails.

“For those looking for a bit of mischief this festive period, we present ‘The Spicy Santa’ and ‘The Grinch’ and for those that are in merit of a treat, we present ‘The Polar Espresso Martini’ and ‘White Christmas’. These cocktails add a cheeky twist this festive season, inviting our guests to add a bit of flavourful fun to their Christmas celebrations.  

“We have also curated a Hogmanay themed menu for those looking to bring in the new year at Edinburgh’s most sophisticated steak restaurant, enjoying a selection of delicious dishes paired with a glass of champagne to bring in the bells with style”.  

Aldi gives all Colleagues in Edinburgh & The Lothians New Year pay rise

Aldi store colleagues in Edinburgh & The Lothians are to get a pay rise, which will see Aldi become the first supermarket in the UK to guarantee store and warehouse colleagues pay of at least £12 an hour.

This move makes Aldi the first supermarket to offer rates in line with the Real Living Wage that was set by the Living Wage Foundation in October this year.

Store Assistants’ pay will rise further to £12.95 nationally, and £13.85 within the M25, based on the length of service as part of Aldi’s £67m investment into colleague pay.

Aldi is also the only supermarket to offer paid breaks, which for the average store colleague is worth an additional £900 annually.

Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Just as we promise to provide the best value to our customers, we are also committed to being the highest-paying supermarket within the sector – which is why we are investing more than ever into this pay rise.

“We are incredibly proud of every single member of Team Aldi and this is a way of thanking them for all their hard work over the past year. We believe our colleagues are the best in the sector and they play a huge part in making Aldi what it is today.” 

The news comes in just as Aldi has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket, according to consumer champion Which? (November 2023). Aldi was also named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket in both 2021 and 2022.

Aldi’s commitment to being the cheapest supermarket shows no sign of slowing, having made over £360m of price reductions across 800 items so far this year.

Aldi is the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket and has more than 1,000 stores, 11 regional distribution centres and 40,000 colleagues across Britain.

How people in Edinburgh can get FREE mince pies this Saturday

Members of the UK’s leading vegan charity, Viva!, will be handing out free mince pies at Royal Mile (High Street) in Edinburgh this Saturday (9 December), as part of their latest Christmas campaign. 

Staff and volunteers will be speaking to members of the public to encourage them to opt for a vegan Christmas this year, which campaigners say is the only way for Christmas to be truly cruelty-free. 

Every year in the UK, millions of turkeys are slaughtered for human consumption during the festive period. In addition to the turkeys who lose their lives, large numbers of pigs, salmon and other animals are killed just so that Brits can eat them. Viva! is taking to the streets to educate people that delicious vegan alternatives exist, so that no animals have to die this festive season. 

As well as handing out free mince pies, the team will be showing footage from Viva!’s undercover investigations that expose the reality of factory farming, as well as handing out leaflets and guides to help people transition to a vegan lifestyle. 

In addition to the event in Edinburgh on 8 December between 12 and 4pm, the team will also be taking this Christmas campaign toCardiff, Queen Street (3 – 7pm, 14 December 2023).  

Speaking of the upcoming Christmas tour, Viva!’s managing director, Laura Hellwig, said: “Every year, millions of animals are killed just so humans can eat them for Christmas dinner.

“These animals typically live short, unhappy lives in cramped conditions on factory farms. Given that Christmas is a time for love and compassion, it doesn’t feel right that this sentiment isn’t extended to the animals we share the planet with!  

“Viva! is encouraging people to choose kindness this Christmas by opting for plant-based alternatives to animal products. These vegan alternatives not only spare animals from suffering or death but they’re also better for the planet, as animal agriculture is a leading cause of the climate emergency.

“You can try out some delicious vegan festive recipes at viva.org.uk/xmas.” 

To find out more and get involved, head to Viva!’s website.

Edinburgh’s Divino is triple winner at Scottish Italian Awards

This year’s Scottish Italian Awards saw one Edinburgh restaurant standing above the rest as Divino Enoteca became a triple winner, receiving accolades for ‘Scotland’s Best Wine Selection’, ‘Scotland’s Best Pasta Chef’, and ‘Scotland’s Best Chef’, alongside a ‘Highly Recommended’ commendation for Best Restaurant in the East. 

The 10th anniversary of the Scottish Italian Awards welcomed over 750 guests to the Double Tree in Glasgow on 26th November for an evening celebrating the best of the Italian hospitality community, who have all made an incredible impact on Scotland’s food scene. 

Divino flew the flag for Edinburgh well through the evening, as the sole winners from the capital city. The awards cap off a successful year for the restaurant, with milestones including visits from Prince Albert of Monaco and actor Gerard Butler, following a £100,000 renovation at the end of 2022. 

Tucked away on Merchant Street in Edinburgh’s Old Town, Divino is known for its high-quality food that provides a modern and creative take on Italian cuisine. Seasonal menus, with dishes ranging from fresh pastas with silky sauces to succulent braised meats. are imagined by Chef Andrea Calistro – honoured with awards for ‘Scotland’s Best Chef’ and ‘Best Pasta Chef’. 

The award for Best Wine Selection reflects Divino’s dedication to curating an impressive assortment of world wines, with regular wine tasting evenings and a unique ‘enomatic’ machine allowing guests to sample rare wines from the bottle. 

Vittoria Group’s other celebrated restaurants were also honoured in the awards, with Vittoria on the Bridge also ‘Highly Recommended’ for Best Restaurant East, and Bertie’s Proper Fish & Chips ‘Highly Recommended’ for the Best Fish and Chips Award.  

Co-owner Alberto Crolla was delighted with the awards recognition, saying:  “While we strive for excellence each day of the year, awards like this are a testament to the team’s dedication to providing an incredible experience for each customer that visits our restaurant.

“This hat-trick of award wins makes a wonderful ending to an exciting year at Divino that began with a freshly unveiled restaurant and saw a myriad of exciting events like regionally themed nights and celebrity guests that keep our team energised to keep up the remarkable work they’re doing.” 

The Crolla family have been at the forefront of Italian hospitality in the capital since Vittoria on the Walk first opened in Leith more than 50 years ago.

Now three generations of the family have expanded the Vittoria group across the city, each offering something unique while honouring the traditions of great Italian hospitality. 

For more information on Divino, visit https://divinoedinburgh.com

Diageo partners with THINK! and Greene King this Christmas to tackle drink driving

FREE PINTS OF GUINNESS 0.0 OFFER

Diageo, maker of Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff, has partnered with THINK!, the Government’s official road safety campaign, and Greene King on a new initiative encouraging people to drink responsibly over the festive period.

The partnership will allow designated drivers to claim a free pint of Guinness 0.0 at participating Greene King pubs across the UK throughout December.

The latest data shows that 79% of drink-drive collisions involve male drivers or riders over the legal alcohol limit1, and younger male drivers are historically over-represented in drink drive related road casualties2. Therefore, the campaign aims to remind people looking to celebrate during the next month to not drink and drive. The initiative also marks the third consecutive year Diageo is partnering with THINK! this Christmas.

From 1st December 2023 – 1st January 2024, designated drivers wishing to take part will need to visit the Guinness website and use the pub finder search tool to locate one of the 472 Greene King pubs participating in the offer.

They will then be able to download a voucher code and present this, along with their car keys, at the bar to prove their designated driver status and claim their free Guinness 0.0.

Nuno Teles, Managing Director at Diageo GB said: “Drink driving is never acceptable. Which is why we’re building on our previous campaigns with THINK! to help encourage responsible drinking this Christmas.

“By giving designated drivers a free pint of alcohol-free Guinness 0.0, our partnership with THINK! and Greene King will allow designated drivers across the UK to still be part of the festive fun and drive everyone home safely.”

Guy Opperman, Roads Minister at Department for Transport said: “Our highly regarded THINK! campaign will be aiming to save more lives again this Christmas season and will help continue to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-driving.

“This is a great initiative which encourages people to act responsibly while still enjoying the festive season.”

Diageo has a long-standing commitment to promoting positive drinking through moderation and tackling the harmful use of alcohol.

This initiative is part of Diageo’s latest pledge to change the attitudes towards drink driving of five million drivers by 2030 as part of its ten-year sustainability action plan Society 2030: Spirit of Progress.

The partnership also builds on Diageo’s other existing initiatives such as its ‘Wrong Side of the Road’ virtual learning experience, a hard-hitting programme which allows individuals to have a conversation with a real drink driver to help understand the consequences of drink driving.

To find out more, please visit: guinness.com/en-gb/greene-king-00

Scotch Lamb goes to Parliament for St Andrew’s Day

Lamb took centre stage at the Scottish Parliament as part of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day, an initiative to encourage people across Scotland to celebrate with Scotch Lamb on the patron saint’s day.

Scotch Lamb was served, and sold out, in the canteen for Members of Parliament and staff at Holyrood, while the two key industry organisations driving the industry-wide campaign #LambForStAndrewsDay met with MSPs.

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), which promotes the sustainable production, integrity and quality of red meat in Scotland, and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), the representative body for livestock marts in Scotland are behind the campaign, now in its 13th year, to make lamb synonymous with 30 November, as turkey is for Christmas and haggis for Burns’ Night.

At parliament, they spoke to a number of MSPs, highlighting the growing success of the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign, which was celebrated internationally this year, both ahead of COP28 in Dubai and at the Ambassador’s Residence in Paris, and the need to support such an indigenous industry.

Sarah Millar, Chief Executive of QMS, said it was also an opportunity to discuss the economic, social and environmental influence of the £290m lamb sector in Scotland and areas for market growth.

“The export market is strong and growing due to a global appreciation of the quality of Scotch Lamb and its environmental credentials, but there is great opportunity to bring more UK consumers back to lamb to consolidate the home market,” she said.

“It ticks a number of boxes around nutrition, food miles and sustainability. Lamb production is a natural fit with Scotland’s high rainfall and plenty of available grass, producing a tasty, versatile homegrown red meat packed with nutrients.

“Every year the awareness built from the #LambForStAndrewsDay campaign has a tangible impact, boosting sales in the livestock rings as well as from retail shelves.”

Compared to beef, which in 2022 saw 19.2kg consumption per capita in Scotland, the equivalent in lamb is 2.2kg. Scotland is 186% self-sufficient in sheep meat so QMS is looking to maximise every possible market potential.

The #LambForStAndrewsDay campaign illustrates that lamb can be enjoyed on any budget and works well with different cuisines from across the world, promoted through QMS’s advertising and social media campaigns, as well as recipe inspiration on the Scotch Kitchen website.

In 2020, IAAS introduced The Lamb Bank, gathering financial and ‘lamb’ donations from across the industry to deliver lamb into schools, for free, in the last week of November. To date, 89,000 school children across Scotland have had the chance to cook, eat and learn about lamb in school canteens and Home Economics classes with 114 schools participating this year.

In the last three years, figures show that sales in the livestock marts to butchers and processors have increased every year in the month of November, demonstrating the growing impact of the campaign.

Neil Wilson said: “Our visit to Parliament today was another platform to demonstrate the positive impact of the lamb sector across the supply chain on Scotland’s economy, rural livelihoods and food security and why we need to drive lamb sales to protect and promote the profitable future of our industry.

“We had some really interesting, constructive conversations with Members of the Scottish Parliament, and it was a great that many of those we spoke to knew about the campaign, more than ever before – and that the canteen sold out of lamb!”

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon, who met at AgriScot with both the Chair of QMS, Kate Rowell, and the President of IAAS, Alan Hutcheon, as part of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day, said: “I am pleased to be involved in this year’s Lamb for St Andrew’ Day campaign.

“This year, Scotch Lamb will be on the plates of decision-makers from Paris to Dubai. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase the very best that our sheep producers have to offer.

“The high quality of Scottish lamb gives it mass appeal to customers, and I know that this year’s campaign will help to enhance this message across the globe.”

The initiative is also supported by National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland and the National Sheep Association (NSA). QMS provided Scotch Lamb for The National Sheep Association in Scotland St Andrew’s Dinner in Lauder this week, held for 100 people from across the industry.