Decision to remove saltire criticised

Tesco customers have blown raspberries at the supermarket giant’s decision to remove the saltire from packets of Scottish fruit.

The company said on Twitter the Scottish flag had been replaced by the Union flag following several complaints from customers in England.

It prompted a Twitter storm, with claims the row had been stirred up by the Brexit vote.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was even drawn into the debate during her press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh.

She said people should eat Scottish strawberries because they are “the best” not because of the flag on the packaging.

Tesco later backtracked, stating there had been no complaints and the wrong explanation had been given on social media as the result of a “misunderstanding”.

A Tesco spokesman told The Courier: “To provide consistency for customers, we mark all of our homegrown fresh berries with a Union flag.

“The country of origin is also clearly displayed on pack.”

Responding to an earlier tweet from Eileen Brown, Tesco said: “Over the past year, we received several customer complaints regarding Scottish flags on strawberries in England. English customers criticised us why we do not apply the English flag on English.”

Fife fruit producer Robert Todd, who owns Blacketyside Farm in Leven, said: “Let’s hope that common sense prevails.

“I’m sure English customers would like to know where food has come from.

“Scotland is renowned for its top-quality fruit.

“A lot of fruit is grown in Scotland because of its unique climate. Because it’s cooler, the fruit has more time to mature on the bush.

“I think it’s important that the flag should be on it.”

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart said he feared Tesco’s decision would have an adverse impact upon Scottish producers.

He said: “The major thing that this decision calls into question is consumer confidence.

“When shoppers see the saltire on food products they know that it is good-quality, wholesome Scottish produce.”