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Scottish Food Fortnight
31/08/2007
Scottish Food Fortnight was launched at Glamis Castle in Angus today.
Opening the annual event, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead announced a year of activity to promote Scotland's food, including a Parliamentary debate on the future of Scottish produce.
He said:
"Since I took up my role as Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, one of my top priorities has been the promotion of Scottish food.
"I have already launched Scotland Food and Drink and been delighted to endorse the NFUS campaign to promote Scottish produce.
"But there is much more that can be done. At this year's Royal Highland Show and during my recent visits around Scotland this summer, I have seen an incredibly diverse range of products and producers, showing just how much potential the sector has.
"Between now and next year's show I expect our food and drink industry to become even stronger.
"Food impacts not only on our diet but also on our environment and the whole economy.
"I plan to hold a retail summit at the earliest possible opportunity and am preparing both a Parliamentary debate and a Cabinet paper to further highlight food's importance in delivering the Scottish Government's five strategic objectives.
"And of course the events that make up Scottish Food Fortnight - which I am delighted to open today - will greatly assist the campaign to promote Scottish food, both at home, and abroad."
Food writer and patron of Scottish Food Fortnight Lady Claire MacDonald added:
"I am delighted to be patron of Scottish Food Fortnight again. The campaign is a fantastic way of highlighting the wonderful array of Scottish foods which are some of the very best in the world.
"Scottish Food Fortnight provides the perfect opportunity for everyone to explore the wide range of exciting and delicious foods being produced in Scotland, not just for the duration of Scottish Food Fortnight, but for 52 weeks for the year."