SCOTLAND'S Food and Drink Fortnight – with its online add-on of #onethingfortnight – is now in its second week, with the aim being to encourage as many people as possible to purchase fresh and local products.

Launched on September 2, the campaign has not only encouraged consumers to buy fresh and local, but to try something out of the ordinary, or prepare a different meal in a different way.

Social media has shown that the people have Scotland have embraced this, according to the National Farmers Union Scotland, with some consumers switching from processed cheese in a packed lunch sandwich to cheese from a local dairy; using fresh Scottish raspberries in a dessert; and having seasonal Scotch lamb chops for dinner.

This campaign has also ran alongside #LoveLambWeek, and Quality Meat Scotland's Wham Bam Thank You Lamb promotions, and it is hoped this will encourage more consumers to purchase the meat.

NFUS chief executive Scott Walker said: “Scotland produces some of the finest food and drink in the world and that is in no small part down to our farmers, crofters and growers who pride themselves in what they do day-in-day-out to produce some of the finest tastiest produce you will find anywhere.

“All too often we take for granted what is right here on our own doorstep," said Mr Walker. "By being involved in campaigns like #onethingfortnight, we as an industry are able to shout about our fantastic produce we have here in Scotland.

“It is important that the valuable momentum built up by Food and Drink Fortnight in week one is carried through, not just for the next week but in making lasting changes to the produce that Scottish consumers buy on a regular basis.

“I encourage everyone to search out Scottish food and drink and whether it is trying something you haven’t tried before or cooking something different with the fantastic ingredients we produce here in Scotland #onethingfortnight is a chance to experiment and enjoy what farmers spend a lifetime producing for the people of Scotland.”