Centenary Cookbook Celebrates Scottish Food and Farming Folk

A “Centenary Cookbook” produced to celebrate NFU Scotland’s 100 years was launched at the Union’s AGM in St Andrews today (February 12th 2013).

Farming folk from throughout Scotland have contributed their favourite family recipes featuring Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork for the book, which was compiled by Quality Meat Scotland.

All profits from the sale of the books will go to the NFUS Centenary Trust which has been set up by way of a legacy of this milestone in the Union’s history.

Celebrity cook Lady Claire Macdonald penned the welcome page of the cookbook, describing the array of recipes as “a mouth-watering variety suitable for every taste and ability.”

She also highlighted the quality of produce Scots have on their doorstep. “I love reminding people about the sheer quality of Scottish produce and how very lucky we are to have access to such quality,” she said.

The selection of recipes in the 72 page book includes contributions from former Union presidents such as Sandy Inverarity (Scotch Lamb en Croute), and John Cameron (Natural Lamb Chops). The other recipes also include Scotch Beef curry (from Perthshire producers, Aileen and George McFadzean) to Rolled Shoulder of Scotch Lamb (from Sally and Lamont Hair of Drumbreddan Farm, near Stanraer) and Hearty Pork Casserole from Gordon McKen of Scottish Pig Producers. The recipes are accompanied by top cooking  tips and some intriguing tales!

Quality Meat Scotland Chairman, Jim McLaren, also a former NFU Scotland president, said the cookbook was a colourful tribute to the dedication of those who work in the farming industry.

“My hope is that this cookbook will not only commemorate a wonderful milestone in the Union’s history but also serve as an enduring celebration of Scotland’s iconic meat brands – Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork - in farmhouse kitchens across the land.

“Our thanks to all those who took the time to respond to the requests for recipes for this book which is also a celebration of the quality assurance and traceability behind the brands and the many great characters involved in our industry.”

Nigel Miller, NFU Scotland President said: “Our thanks go to Quality Meat Scotland for their hard work in creating this cookbook.

“Those who have contributed recipes span the length and breadth of Scotland's fantastic food sector – farmers and restauranteurs as well as those who represent the wider industry.

“It is a fantastic celebration of Scottish produce and I am sure the book will prove a popular purchase during the year of Centenary fundraising events we have planned for 2013.”

In its first year the Centenary Trust will have three main aims – to get as many children as possible to visit a farm in 2013; to educate farmers, employees and their children on health and safety in the countryside with a special emphasis on children’s safety; and to assist in bringing forward a meaningful apprentice programme supporting farmers and their employees.

The cookbook, priced £10.00, will also be available to purchase at centenary events throughout 2013 and from NFU Scotland by ordering on 0131 472 4000.