Celebrate Scottish produce over the festive season

FAMILIES are being urged to celebrate Christmas and New Year in style with good Scottish produce.

The call comes from Rural Affairs Secretary and Moray MSP Richard Lochhead.

"Scotland has some of the finest food and drink in the world," he said. "What better way to celebrate than with a feast of Scottish produce with family and friends."

He said from quality Scotch beef and venison to tasty leeks, parsnip and broccoli, Scotland is fortunate to have such an abundant and plentiful natural larder available at this time of year.

"Think Scottish when planning your festive meals from ordering your turkey from a local supplier to including younger members of the family in creating tasty fish dishes," he said. "Following a wee dram of Scotch whisky and some succulent seafood to mark Hogmanay, as we enter the New Year this is the perfect time to consider eating fresh and in season following some of the excesses of the festive season."

He said eating ‘in season’ means enjoying food at its peak in terms of flavour and nutritional value.

"It is relatively easy to incorporate tasty and seasonal produce into our everyday lives," he said. "By eating in season we can also help support our vital farming community - it is thanks to our farmers and food producers that we enjoy such a wide selection of fresh and seasonal produce."

"So as you shop for food and drink over the Christmas period and into the New Year, think Scottish, think seasonal and support your local producers," added Mr Lochhead.

For more festive food and drink ideas and recipes go to: www.cookscotland.co.uk.