ACS

Scotland's thriving food and drink industry is well placed to inspire other sectors into recovery in 2010, claims Scottish Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead.

The prediction comes as a new survey revealed that 60 per cent of Scots will be eating local, seasonal produce this Christmas. The figure for those living in the Highlands and Islands is as high as 75 per cent. Mr Lochhead also paid tribute to the food and drink industry for achieving a series of impressive milestones in 2009.

The new Scottish Opinion survey of over 1000 people showed that 60 per cent will be buying or using more local food this Christmas and17 per cent say "eating more healthily" will be their New Years Resolution.

Mr Lochhead said: "We can all help celebrate Scottish food and drink this Christmas. We are fortunate in Scotland to have some of the best quality butchers, grocers, supermarkets and delicatessens stocking fresh, locally sourced food.

"2010 promises to be another hugely significant year for food and drink. We can get off to the best possible start and give local producers a massive boost by eating Scottish where possible this Christmas."

NFU Scotland Chief Executive, James Withers said: "Farmers up and down the country are playing a growing part in driving the food and drink industry in Scotland forward. To build on this momentum, everyone involved in the food and drink chain needs to play their part in delivering a good news story that goes all the way from field to fork."