Highlights from the Highland

After much anticipation, the 200th Royal Highland Show (RHS) has now been and gone, and it is the time to reflect on the fantastic four days at the QMS stand.

The event offered the unrivalled opportunity to demonstrate to the public the work, skills and dedication which go into the production of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork. Through immersive cookery demonstrations, interactive butchery sessions, ‘ready steady cook’ style competitions, and insightful talks, those who came to visit the marquee got a real taste of what the red meat industry and its brands mean to Scotland’s economy, environment, people and communities.

The RHS also saw strong industry engagement, with QMS welcoming the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon and the Minister for Environment and Land Reform, Mairi McAllan to industry breakfasts, where they demonstrated their support for the sector.  A £200m fund focused on boosting food security in Scotland and addressing the biodiversity and climate crises was explained, and a new Beef Sector Strategy announced. Developed by a steering group comprising of stakeholders from across the supply chain, it sets the direction for the growth of the beef value chain within Scotland.

Sharing some of the highlights from the show, QMS chair Kate Rowell said: “The energy and sense of excitement over the course of the weekend was just fantastic, proving that the value of seeing people face to face cannot be underestimated.

“It was also reassuring to hear that, as an industry, the Scottish Government is behind us as they recognise the importance of our role in enhancing food security, reducing emissions and supporting rural communities. Despite the ongoing challenges that we are all too familiar with, we are ready to grasp all opportunities necessary for safeguarding a strong future for the Scottish red meat industry.”

To find out more about QMS and its brands, visit www.qmscotland.co.uk