Supermarkets vow to stock more lamb

Two major supermarket chains have vowed to increase stocks of Scottish lamb in their stores.

The pledges by Tesco and Asda were made in response to letters by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson.

The SNP politician wrote to the retailers after a NFU Scotland survey revealed low stocks of Scottish lamb in a number of Asda and Tesco stores in Scotland.

A response from Tesco’s Tony Mcelroy said the retailer did not recognise the survey results and it had increased the volume of British lamb it stocked over the last 12 months.

Asda’s Christopher Brown said the company had increased the volume of Scottish lamb it stocks by 20% in the past 12 months.

Mr Stevenson welcomed the response from the retailers but said he was disappointed Tesco had chosen to dismiss the findings from the survey.

He added: “The success of farmers relies on the support of retailers to ensure the success of the industry.

“My constituency in particular is one of the key livestock-producing areas and needs the backing of supermarkets like Asda and Tesco in order to continue.”