Backlash over schools’ meat-free day

Edinburgh City Council’s decision to introduce Meat Free Mondays in primary schools has incurred the widespread wrath of Scotland’s meat industry.

Children in the capital’s council-run schools are being offered vegetarian-only meals on one day a week, but it is the council’s justification for the move which has caused fury.

Education convener Ian Perry said: “Encouraging healthy eating is extremely important so it’s fantastic that our primary pupils are being introduced to the benefits of eating less meat at a young age. By participating in Meat Free Monday, schools are also raising awareness of the environmental impact of livestock production, as well as the poor standards in which some animals are farmed.”

Meat wholesalers and traders, the farmers’ union and others have written to the council to highlight their “grave concerns” about a lack of awareness of the positive credentials of Scottish meat production.

Quality Meat Scotland chairman, Jim McLaren, said: “The explanation given in a press release issued by the council shows a very worrying lack of understanding of the reality of Scottish red meat production.”

Jim McLaren said there was a worrying lack of understanding over Scottish red meat production