Scotch Lamb selected for St Andrew's Menu

Two-Michelin star chef Andrew Fairlie, along with Rural Secretary Richard Lochhead, has today launched a special St Andrew’s Day family menu to celebrate Scotland’s national day. Championing Scottish produce, the menu aims to encourage the whole nation to cook up a feast on 30 November with the finest local and seasonal ingredients, using Scotch Lamb as the culinary centrepiece.

Scots are encouraged to recreate the three-course meal including a warming winter Cullen Skink, succulent Roast Shoulder of Lamb with Potato and Onion and spiced winter fruit served with creamed vanilla rice pudding.

Rated amongst the best in the world, Scotch Lamb is currently at its peak of seasonality. Simple to cook at home, Andrew Fairlie’s menu offers the perfect way for friends and family to enjoy Scotch Lamb and all that’s great about Scotland this St Andrew’s Day – from its people to its history and vibrant culture.

The menu will feature at various Scottish Government events dedicated to celebrating Scotland’s national day and producers, processors and retailers will be promoting Scotch Lamb as the meat of choice in the weeks running up to St Andrew’s Day.

Commenting on his creative menu, Andrew Fairlie said: “Scotland is home to some of the highest quality produce in the world and passionate producers throughout the country are making sure Scotch Lamb is no exception.

“I created the menu with an intention to break down preconceptions that many people have about cooking with lamb. The result encourages everyone to enjoy it at its most succulent and rustic whilst also being easy and fun for everyone to recreate at home. And what better time to sit down and enjoy good food with friends and family than on Scotland’s National Day?”

Launching the lamb for St Andrew’s Day initiative, Rural Affairs Secretary, Richard Lochhead said: “Scotland’s larder is a rich source of inspiration for anyone wishing to serve and authentically Scottish meal on St Andrew’s Day.

“In Scotland alone, lamb sales are worth £31 million and consumption is growing. Encouraging our food and drink industry to succeed through strategic advice and support like this initiative is part of our national strategy and one I am proud to promote. I am particularly delighted that all sections of the food industry are supporting us.”

Industry support for the initiative has been strong. Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium confirmed that the SRC would lend its support to the campaign. “Our members are delighted to play their part in making Scotch Lamb a focal point for the St Andrew's Day celebrations," she said.

Donald Biggar, Chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “Scotch Lamb is at its most succulent during autumn making it a perfect choice for a St Andrew’s Day menu. It is produced with world-leading assurance schemes guaranteeing quality, welfare and traceability and we hope consumers who haven’t cooked Scottish lamb for a while will enjoy rediscovering it is simple to prepare and delicious to share with friends and family.”

Stuart Christie, President of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders said: “Every butcher in Scotland offers customers top quality meat sourced in Scotland throughout the year and will be delighted to provide scotch lamb for St Andrew’s Day celebration dinners.”

Recipes for these dishes along with other lamb menu suggestions are available from participating retailers and butcher shops and also available online at www.scotland.org. Additionally, lamb and St Andrew’s Day will be promoted on the Winter Festivals website www.scotlandswinterfestivals.com and on Facebook and Twitter.

St Andrew’s Day herald’s the start of Scotland’s Winter Festivals. With more than 60 events taking place throughout Scotland this year, Scotland’s Winter Festivals beings together people from all over the world to celebrate Scotland’s modern culture, traditions, history and food and drink.

Full information on St Andrew’s Day, including its history, and ideas for hosting your own event, can be found on www.scotland.org/standrewsday