SCOTTISH FARMERS are determined to rekindle consumers' enthusiasm for Scotch lamb - and if you are out and about over the coming weekends, you might bump into some of these 'Lambassadors' handing out free hot samples!

This Saturday (August 22) North East farmers will be at the Aldi store in Inverurie, with lamb steaks and burgers on the menu for shoppers to try.

On Sunday (August 23) there will be more promotional activity from farmers on Buchanan Street in Glasgow. From noon to 2pm they will be showcasing a range of Scottish and British produce, including lamb and dairy.

This all builds on the great work being done by the industry's annual 'Wham Bam Thank You Lamb' campaign currently running on TV, radio and in newspapers. That activity reaches a peak with the 'Love Scotch lamb' weekend on 5 and 6 September when the Scottish public is being invited to join farmers, butchers and chefs around the country to celebrate all that is wonderful about Scotch lamb.

NFU Scotland president Allan Bowie said: "The Scottish public are our greatest asset when it comes to backing Scottish food and farmers.

"Scotch lamb is the tastiest in the world and Scottish farmers, quite rightly, want to go out there and tell Scottish consumers - whether in a supermarket, a butcher's shop or a restaurant - about the quality of their produce.

"Farmers are being hit hard by falling prices but they are taking the initiative, have complete faith in all the food they produce and are getting around the country to speak to shoppers this weekend. They will be out again in a few weeks' time, making sure as many consumers as possible hear the story we have to tell about Scotch lamb."