Scottish Parliament marks 15 Years of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day as MSPs Join Canteen Celebration

Scotch Lamb took centre stage at Holyrood on 27 November as the Scottish Parliament canteen once again served a special Scotch Lamb lunch to mark the 15th anniversary of the nationwide Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign.

MSPs from across the political spectrum visited the canteen to enjoy Scotch Lamb and hear more about the work being done by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS) to promote Scotch Lamb and highlight the importance of choosing meat that is fully traceable, local and quality assured.

The canteen event offered Parliamentarians the chance to experience Scotch Lamb for themselves, learn about the campaign’s continued growth, and discuss the importance of supporting the Scottish lamb sector. Twelve MSPs attended throughout the lunch period, engaging with representatives from QMS and IAAS on everything from the sector’s economic contribution to its environmental strengths and the increasing reach of the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day initiative.

Now in its 15th year, the campaign has expanded from a single idea into a nationwide programme involving community lunches, school activities, events at livestock marts, media and influencer campaigns, retail promotions and engagement with key decision-makers. Since its launch, the initiative has helped raise awareness of Scotch Lamb’s versatility and cultural relevance, while supporting farmers, processors, auction marts and rural communities across Scotland.

Prior to the canteen engagement, Willie Rennie MSP lodged a Parliamentary Motion welcoming the campaign’s milestone year and recognising the work of QMS and IAAS in championing the sector. The motion highlights the significant contribution of lamb production to Scotland’s rural economy and encourages greater celebration and consumption of Scotch Lamb on St Andrew’s Day and beyond.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I warmly welcome Lamb for St Andrew’s Day, especially as we mark fifteen years, and I thank Quality Meat Scotland and the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland for their wide-ranging promotional activity. It is fantastic to see high-quality Scottish lamb being consumed across our nation, from our own Parliament to our schools and communities. It is also a great opportunity for our young people to learn about where their food comes from. This St Andrew’s Day, I hope you will join me and many others in enjoying quality Scottish lamb and supporting our farmers and wider agricultural community.”

Neil Wilson, Executive Director of IAAS, emphasised the importance of continuing to champion Scotland’s lamb sector. He said: “Fifteen years of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day tells a remarkable story of collaboration across Scotland’s farming, auction mart and food communities. Every year the campaign grows in reach and impact, and it’s encouraging to see so many MSPs actively engaging with the sector at Holyrood. Scotch Lamb is a vital part of Scotland’s rural economy, and the support shown in Parliament helps reinforce the value of our producers, our marts and our wider supply chain.”

Kate Rowell, Chair of Quality Meat Scotland, added: “It was fantastic to be back in Parliament sharing Scotch Lamb with MSPs as we celebrate fifteen years of Lamb for St Andrew’s Day. The campaign continues to inspire people of all ages to enjoy lamb, whether through school activities, community events or simply choosing Scotch Lamb for their dinner table. Engaging with Parliament is an important part of the journey, and we’re grateful for the cross-party support the campaign continues to receive.”

For further information on the Lamb for St Andrew’s Day campaign, follow QMS on social media.