Scotland's Economy

#CheersToRabbie

January 21, 2018 by Fergus Ewing MSP No Comments | Category Culture, Exports, Food and Drink

Burns Night is celebrated by millions of people in Scotland and all around the world. It not only provides a welcome opportunity to celebrate the genius of our national poet, but for us all to enjoy the essential food elements of any Burns Supper – which are available as home grown products in local supermarkets.

As one of Scotland’s national heroes, Burns is also one of our most treasured cultural exports. It is no wonder his legacy is remembered with affection every year by millions of people, both at home and around the world.

I am delighted that for the first time in 46 years, this Burns Night, the huge Scots diaspora in Canada will be looking forward to having Scotland’s national dish at the centre of their table.

After developing a new recipe that meets Canadian regulations in August, Macsween’s of Edinburgh have shipped seven tonnes of haggis to Canada – enough haggis to feed almost 40,000 people.

This reflects the increasing interest in, and love of, Scottish food and drink in North America – let’s hope next year, we are saying the same about the USA.

Here at home, what better way is there to support our Scottish food and drink sector than for you to dish up some traditional burns night fare using only the best Scottish produce.

Traditionally, we start with cock-a-leekie soup, made with prized Scottish chicken.

Then of course, it’s the ‘Great chieftain the pudding-race’ the main course of haggis, not forgetting the traditional Scottish neeps and tatties, and maybe a wee dram of scotch whisky.

To round off, you might think of enjoying some cranachan, using Scottish dairy products and have it along with some Scottish berries or Scottish cheeses and oatcakes.

Our food and drink sector is a global success story and this Government is committed to promoting locally sourced and produced food to grow demand at home, around the UK and internationally.

Our food and drink sector does and will always need your support, so look after our fantastic commodity of high quality produce throughout the whole food and drink sector, and continue to buy locally sourced Scottish produce, into the future.

If you’re celebrating at a Burns Supper this year, tag your social posts with #CheerstoRabbie and show the world how you’re celebrating.

The events and activities on and around Burns Night are a boost to our economy, with Scots and Scots-at-heart, coming together to celebrate a shared love for our national bard.

Wherever you are celebrating, enjoy your burns supper.

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