Big Yin Tops Christmas Dinner Guest List

Comedian and actor Billy Connolly is the famous Scot most people would like to eat, drink and be merry with at their festive dinner table, according to the results of a poll announced today (December 12 2014).

The survey was undertaken by YouGov for Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) as part of a range of activities to raise the profile of the importance of cooking with top quality ingredients such as Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork and taking time to sit down and eat meals with friends or family.

The public was asked to choose which famous living Scots they would invite to join them at their table this Christmas. With 44% of the votes, the top choice was Billy who is preparing for an Australia tour in 2015, in the wake of his sell-out Scottish tour this summer.

The 71-year-old Scots legend started out working as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards but quit in the late 1960s to become a folk singer before turning to stand-up comedy. Local lads turned Hollywood actors Ewan McGregor (34%) and James McAvoy (29%) came second and third respectively in the poll.

Sir Chris Hoy, who will be enjoying his first Christmas as a dad, was next on the list with 28% and, perhaps unsurprisingly given the Dr Who Christmas special is a festive tradition for many families, 27% of respondents chose to have the real “Doctor” in their living rooms with Peter Capaldi the fifth most popular guest.

Also in the top ten are tennis champ Andy Murray (25%), TV favourite Lorraine Kelly (24%), legendary Scots Sir Alex Ferguson (22%) and Sir Sean Connery (20%) with superstar DJ Calvin Harris (11%) completing the guest list.

The research was undertaken on behalf of QMS to raise the profile of the importance of friends and family taking time to sit down and eat meals made with quality ingredients together. 

As part of this activity, QMS has also published a “Round the Table” charity cookbook. This features recipes from a host of Scottish celebrities including festive favourites Ewan McGregor, Lorraine Kelly and Sir Alex Ferguson.

Raising funds for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) and CHILDREN 1ST, the book is packed full of simple to prepare nutritious family recipes perfect for sitting down to on a chilly winter evening.

From Lorraine Kelly’s delicious Beef Stew to Hardeep Singh Kohli’s Pork Vindaloo and Clare Grogan’s exotic Moroccan Lamb with Apricots, each dish is prepared using Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb or Specially Selected Pork.

Carol McLaren, QMS Head of Communications, said: “Scottish farmers, and others involved in the production of our top quality food, work hard and take a great deal of pride in what they produce and this campaign aims to encourage people to appreciate eating great food together at Christmas and throughout the year.

“The good news is interest in the provenance of meat continues to grow and this cookbook also helps to communicate the importance of the quality assurance and traceability behind famous brands like Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.”

Priced at £5, with 100% of profits going to CHILDREN 1ST and CHAS, the hardback book is available to buy online by visiting www.qmscotland.co.uk/shop and at selected Waterstones stores. The cookbooks can also be purchased at selected Scotch Butchers Club shops and farm shops throughout Scotland.