Celebrate Christmas and New Year with Scottish Produce

With the twelve days of Christmas nearly upon us, celebrate in style with a feast of Scottish produce with family and friends.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland has some of the finest food and drink in the world and what better way to celebrate the twelve days of Christmas than with a feast of Scottish produce with family and friends.

"From quality Scotch beef and venison to tasty leeks, parsnip and broccoli, we are fortunate to have such an abundant and plentiful natural larder available here in Scotland 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.

"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.

"Eating food that's in season means enjoying food at its peak in terms of flavour and nutritional value and it is relatively easy to incorporate tasty and seasonal produce into our everyday lives.

"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."

More information:

Find more festive food and drink ideas and recipes at Cook Scotland.

For more information on eating in season go EatScotland.

Looking to source quality, Scottish produce? Use Scotland Food & Drink's Buyers' Guide.