Scotch Lamb campaign given a £200,000 funding boost

First Minister announces cash during visit to Turriff Show

A campaign to promote Scotch lamb will benefit from £200,000 of new funding.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced the cash as she met farmers and butchers on a visit to Turriff Show.

The funding will support Quality Meat Scotland’s 2018 Scotch lamb promotional campaign.

Ms Sturgeon said: “The food and drink sector plays an important part in Scotland’s economy, so it is important we promote our premium produce.

“The strength of our farming industry would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of the farmers who work tirelessly to produce high-quality meat.

“That hard work and premium product is recognised by the protection given by the EU to the Scotch lamb brand and we will be working hard to continue that protection in the future.

“I’m pleased we could support this year’s campaign which will help encourage consumers to buy Scotch lamb as part of their regular shopping.”

Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Today’s announcement by the First Minister is fantastic news for the Scottish sheep industry and it’s a great boost for our producers.”

NFU Scotland vice-president Martin Kennedy added that the news came at an important time for sheep farmers.

He said: “With ongoing Brexit uncertainty, this news will bring a confidence boost as we head in to peak lamb production. The Lairg store lamb sale taking place next week, one of the largest sheep sales in Europe, often provides a barometer for sheep farming’s fortunes so this is the right time to be positive about our sector.

“Everyone who has tasted Scotch Lamb knows that it is a flavourful and natural meat, produced on our doorstep.

“NFU Scotland will continue to work with QMS to increase consumption of Scotch Lamb in Scotland and in other markets.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with young sheep industry ambassador Zoey Symington and butcher Charles Raeburn.