Scotch Lamb Send-off for Scotland’s Rugby Squad

Scotland’s rugby squad will dine on Scotch Lamb tonight night (Thursday, 25 August) at a send-off dinner in Glasgow prior to their departure tomorrow to New Zealand.

The team plus management and around 400 guests will sit down to savour the best of Scotland on a plate, with a main course of rump of Scotch Lamb served with sweet potatoes, wilted spinach, braised savoy cabbage with pancetta and roasted vegetables.

The event at the Radisson Blu Hotel is being run by rugby charity Hearts and Balls and hopes to raise in excess of £25,000 via ticket sales plus a charity auction and raffle at the event.

All of the proceeds raised at the dinner will go to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, with Ian McLaughlan, Scottish Rugby’s president and Andy Robinson, national coach, set to make a presentation to the Mayor of Christchurch shortly after the squad arrives in New Zealand.

Harry Richmond of Hearts and Balls said it was entirely appropriate that the squad and its supporters should enjoy a farewell meal of Scotch Lamb prior to their departure to New Zealand.

"As well as sending our very best wishes to the squad, the night will also show the solidarity of the global rugby family and support for the people of Christchurch," he said.

"We will be sending all the proceeds to the Earthquake Appeal and the funds will then be used to help the people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region."

Jim McLaren, chairman of Quality Meat Scotland, the organisation which promotes Scotch Lamb, said it was a great tribute to Scotch Lamb, and the high standards of welfare and quality assurance which underpin its production, that it had been chosen as the centrepiece of the squad’s departure dinner.

"Scotch Lamb is at its most succulent from now until January and will make a wonderful send-off meal for the team and their officials and supporters," he commented.

"With Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight due to start next week it is fantastic the team will commemorate its departure with one of our country’s culinary hidden gems.

"We are urging consumers throughout Scotland to follow their example - buy local and enjoy Scotch Lamb at its seasonal best over the coming months," added Mr McLaren.

Want some Scotch Lamb recipe ideas? You can also visit us on Facebook.

For more information on how to cook with Scotch Lamb, download Quality Meat Scotland’s free Perfect Steaks and Roasts app. The new app includes easy-to-follow instructions, top tips and shortcuts for aspiring cooks of all levels of experience.

If you would like to donate, please do so here.

Looking to source Scotch Lamb? Use Scotland Food & Drink's Buyers' Guide.

More meat industry news from Scotland.