FOR centuries Scottish produce has been enjoyed in the more populous south of the British Isles. From the period when Highland cattle were driven to the Falkirk Tryst and then to Norfolk to be fattened for the London market, till the time of World War II when Winston Churchill protected the barley crop from interference as he considered the production of whisky to be a sign of the superiority of “our” culture: the unique quality of Scottish food and drink has been valued.

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Westminster will not allow Scotland have its own system in which these standards are maintained and we would continue to supply their needs by normal trade. The British Government is determined to escape from the dictates of Europe with its Product of Designated Origin laws. Thus these standards will be replaced by chlorinated chicken, untraceable meat dosed with antibiotics and hormones and genetically modified vegetables doused with chemicals all in the name of international trade and profit.

We are to be deprived of Arbroath Smokies, Stornoway Black Pudding and Selkirk Bannock. Shetland lamb, Aberdeen Angus beef and Ayrshire bacon will disappear, and grouse, salmon and trout will doubtless be processed in some obscure way. The American distaste for haggis will spell the end to this delicious dish.

Iain WD Forde

Kinross