SCOTCH LAMB was the dish of the day at Holyrood today (November 30) as MSP's and farming industry leaders tucked into locally produced Lamb to mark St Andrews Day.

The gathering took place as part of Quality Meat Scotland’s (QMS) activity for the Make It Scotch Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign, where politicians were given the opportunity to experience first-hand the fantastic taste and versatility of Scotch Lamb – in this case a lamb stew supplied by the Campbell Brothers Butchers based in Midlothian.

Read more: Stirling MP Alyn Smith backs Scotch Lamb for St Andrew’s Day

QMS chief executive Alan Clarke was on hand to ensure MSPs took on board the importance of sheep producers to not only Scotland’s rural economy but to meeting net zero and biodiversity targets.

“It’s fantastic to host events, such as this, that help promote world-class products like Scotch Lamb to a crucial audience – our elected representatives," said Mr Clarke. "The push for Scotch Lamb to be the dish for Scotland’s national day is not only about promoting its great taste, but the high production, welfare and sustainability credentials.

“For Scotland’s red meat industry to thrive, we need elected representatives to understand its importance to the rural economy and the role of livestock production in helping us meet our net zero targets.”

Read more: Scotland's 'Action Man' Andy Torbet gets behind Scotch Lamb

QMS is working collaboratively alongside NFU Scotland, the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers Scotland (IAAS), and the National Sheep Association Scotland (NSAS) to make Scotch Lamb the 'go-to' dish for St Andrews Day.

Other QMS activity in support of the campaign includes influencer activity in partnership with Go Rural Scotland, promoting both the agritourism industry and the versatility and simplicity of cooking with Scotch Lamb.