IN A bold move to supply free lamb to as many Scottish schools as possible during St Andrew’s week, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland is launching a ‘Lamb Bank’ which will allow farmers selling sheep via IAAS marts to donate lambs to the initiative.

Over the past 10 years there has been a drive from the red meat sector, led by livestock auctioneers, QMS and butchers, to make lamb as synonymous with St Andrew’s Day, as turkey is for Christmas.

“For over 1000 years the Scots have celebrated by feasting and it seems fitting that our modern-day feasts should be celebrating not only our patron saint, but also this iconic Scottish meat,” said IAAS executive director Neil Wilson. “The original Lamb for St Andrew’s Day idea came from George Purves and Willie Mitchell as part of the Scottish Enterprise Rural Leadership Programme.

“The idea of donating lambs for schools was started by IAAS in 2020, when Scottish marts donated over 50 lambs to promote the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign."

Last year, 11,600 home economics pupils from 115 Scottish schools signed up to participate in cooking lamb for St Andrew’s Day, and during the last decade over 1500 farming families and their friends have organised social events to celebrate and feast on Scotch Lamb.

"Now, the funds from any sheep being sold via the marts and donated to the Lamb Bank will be used to supply lamb to Scottish schools during the week of November 30,” pledged Mr Wilson.

John Thomson of C and D Marts added. “We’d like to get lamb into at least one school in every town and every rural school in Scotland, but preferably more than that, if the industry is behind us.”

QMS has been a big driver of the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day push by promoting the home cooking of lamb via retailers and the butchery trade – including with a ‘twist’ such as in curry – as well as the serving of lamb in restaurants.

QMS director of marketing and communications, Lesley Cameron, said: "Once again, we are delighted to support the IAAS in advocating for Scotch Lamb to be the St Andrew’s Day dish. Since the initiative started, it’s been fantastic to see so many industry representatives come together and celebrate the taste and nutritional benefits of Scotch Lamb, as well as the product’s sustainability credentials.

“QMS’ activity to complement the work in schools will feature collaborations with chefs and social media influencers, as well as a media partnership which will generate multiple opportunities for people to see Lamb for St Andrew’s Day online and in print.”