WIREDGOV

Eat in-season this Christmas for fresh, tasty and healthy produce.

Scottish food is iconic and enjoyed across the world – and no more so than at home this festive season.

As shoppers head out to stock up on their fresh vegetables and last minute goodies for Christmas dinner, Food Secretary Richard Lochhead is encouraging everyone to take advantage of the tasty produce on offer locally and eat in-season this festive period.

He said:

“I hope people will support Scotland’s food industry this Christmas and eat in-season as much as they can. Take advantage of the exception products that have been reared, grown, picked and produced in Scotland and enjoy their quality and taste. In doing so you’ll be helping to boost a sector that has generated 117,900 jobs in Scotland and a turnover of £13.9 billion for our economy.

Our farmers have been hard at work to ensure our kitchens are well stocked, including growing a staggering four billion tatties and 730 million Brussels sprouts, which I’ll certainly be enjoying with my dinner on Christmas Day.

“Scottish food and drink is in demand both at home and abroad, at all times of the year. I think it’s important for us to make the most of our home-grown produce, especially at this time of year when there are so many delicious products in-season.

“Scotland is known as the Land of Food and Drink: we have access to an incredible natural larder. Our food is fresh, tasty and healthy. We produce it so why shouldn’t we enjoy it.

“Christmas is a great time of year – it’s all about celebrating, having fun, relaxing and enjoying quality time with family and friends – but it’s also a time to reflect on the past year and what your aims are for 2015. With the Year of Food and Drink fast approaching there is no better time to capitalise on the strength of our industry, the provenance and quality of our produce, and use the year as a Launchpad to Scotland becoming a Good Food Nation."

Notes To Editors

Find out more about having a Greener Christmas by visiting www.greenerscotland.org

More information on the Year of Food and Drink can be found by visiting www.visitscotland.com/about/food-drink #TasteScotland