Scots urged to eat seasonally

A national campaign has been launched to encourage Scots to eat food that is in season.

The ‘Eat Fresh – Eat Seasonal’ initiative from the Scottish government is aimed at supporting the country’s food and drink industry by promoting home-grown produce. 

The campaign has received the backing of a number of celebrities, including Edinburgh-based Michelin-starred chef Tom Kitchin. And its focus isn’t simply on encouraging Scots to purchase locally grown fruit and vegetables, but everything from cheese to meat and fish.    

Richard Lochhead, the Scottish cabinet secretary for rural affairs and the environment, said as well as enjoying the health benefits of eating a wider variety of fresh produce, consumers who buy locally are also helping the environment by purchasing goods with low food miles.

Mr Lochhead said: “Scotland is home to some of the finest produce in the world and we should be extremely proud of that reputation.

“As well as supporting local businesses, eating fresh, seasonal produce can provide significant benefits to the environment and play an important role in a healthy, balanced diet.” 

A number of roadshows are now set to take place in Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow in order to spread the message of eating seasonal food.