The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment visited Edinburgh institution Contini Cannonball Restaurant and Bar to sample a new dish to mark St Andrew’s Day.

Mairi Gougeon MSP met with owner Carina Contini to learn more about how the restaurant has incorporated Scotch Lamb PGI, one of Scotland’s best quality ingredients, into one of its popular menus.

Ms Gougeon sampled the Scotch Lamb dish – Peelham Farm Scotch Lamb rump, braised lamb belly, East Coast baby carrots and jus – whilst Carina, who was earlier this year announced as an ambassador for rural education in Scotland, highlighted the importance of sustainable sourcing from trusted Scottish farms that help support some of Scotland’s most rural communities.

Lesley Cameron, director of Marketing and Communications from Quality Meat Scotland, which promotes the Scotch Lamb PGI brand, said: “We’re always really proud to support restaurants serving Scotch Lamb, showcasing one of the country’s best ingredients that not only tastes fantastic but is also reared naturally and sustainably across Scotland’s extensive rural landscape.

“I would encourage everyone to support their local hill and upland farmers and crofters by cooking Scotch Lamb this year.”

“Contini Cannonball Restaurant and Bar is such an iconic Edinburgh institution and it was great to welcome Ms Gougeon along to sample a special St Andrew’s Day dish to celebrate Scotland’s national day.”

Ms Gougeon, said: “Scotch Lamb to celebrate St Andrews Day is the perfect match, and I would encourage everyone to support their local hill and upland farmers and crofters by cooking Scotch Lamb this year.”

Ms Gougeon’s visit coincides with a national campaign, kicked off by United Auctions’ Managing Director George Purves and supported by Quality Meat Scotland, the National Farmers’ Union Scotland and the Scottish Government, to make Scotch Lamb PGI the national dish for St Andrew’s Day. More than 1,500 people up and down the country committed to celebrating November 30th with Scotch Lamb and sharing their support on social media using the #LambForStAndrewsDay hashtag.