Scotland Celebrates 15 Years of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day

At the end of November, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) will be encouraging industry and consumers to celebrate 15 years of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day, with activity ranging from community lunches at livestock marts, educational events in schools, engagement with government representatives, media and influencer campaigns, to special promotions in restaurants and retailers.

The campaign encourages people across Scotland to enjoy lamb on 30 November, much like haggis is traditionally enjoyed on Burns’ Night. Since its launch in 2010, Lamb for St Andrew’s Day has grown from a single idea into a nationwide celebration. Activities include local St Andrew’s Day events, restaurants and pubs serving lamb, and, during Covid and beyond, the delivery of nearly 3.1 tonnes of lamb to 600 schools, reaching 65,000 pupils.

Neil Wilson, Executive Director of the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS), said: "It’s excellent to see the positive impact Lamb for St Andrew’s Day has had for the sector, highlighting the natural goodness of Scottish lamb and encouraging wider enjoyment. This success is down to the generous support from farmers, the marts, QMS, schools and local communities. We look forward to the buzz of lunches around the country this year and seeing farmers and marts coming together as they have done so successfully over the years."

Tracy Martin, Reputation Manager, QMS: “Lamb for St Andrew’s Day is a fantastic way to celebrate Scotland’s high-quality lamb while inspiring the next generation. From educational events in schools to community lunches and industry activities, the initiative helps young people learn about where their food comes from and the natural goodness of Scotch Lamb.

"We’re once again showcasing the distinct and delicious flavour of lamb in classrooms across Scotland with a new ‘Tasty Little Lamb’ recipe: Scotch Lamb Orzo with Sundried Tomato and Basil, launching the week of St Andrew’s Day."

This year’s activities for Lamb for St Andrew’s Day will be wide-ranging. At Holyrood, the canteen will feature lamb-focused lunches, giving MSPs and stakeholders the chance to experience Scotch Lamb and learn more about the initiative.

Over the weekend of 28–30 November, QMS will sponsor a special Lamb for St Andrew’s Day dinner at the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs (SAYFC) Agri & Rural Affairs Weekend, with insights from Scotch Ambassador Anna MacKinnon, highlighting her dual role as shepherdess and chef. Across Scotland’s livestock marts, community lunches will bring together retired farmers, local youth members, and RSABI representatives to celebrate the day and promote the sector.

The initiative will also extend to the National Sheep Association (NSA) Lamb for St Andrew’s Day dinner on 29 November, with QMS sponsoring the Scotch Lamb.

Education remains a key focus, with initiatives like the ‘Build a St Andrew’s Day Dinner’ teaching pack, a new recipe for Tasty Little Lamb Week, and RHET Food & Farming Days all designed to engage young people with Scotch Lamb and its origins. Through these events, hundreds of schoolchildren will have the opportunity to taste Scotch Lamb—many experiencing it for the very first time.

Meanwhile, media and consumer campaigns will include social media content, an influencer event, a full-page feature in The Times and a Bauer Radio promotion. These activities will showcase the production and quality of Scotch Lamb and encourage its enjoyment across the nation.

For more information on how to celebrate Lamb for St Andrew’s Day follow QMS on social.