THE Scottish red meat industry is calling on the people of Scotland to come together to name lamb the country’s national dish for St Andrew’s Day.

Ahead of the November 30 celebration, Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is joining its colleagues across farming, crofting and the supply chain by showcasing a variety of Scotch Lamb dishes, all served with a twist.

From tomorrow, QMS will be inviting subscribers of their scotchkitchen.com e-newsletter to name Scotch Lamb the dish of St Andrew’s Day and include it on their celebratory menus. All those who join the effort will also be in with the chance of winning a hamper to celebrate the day.

Renowned chef Tony Singh is supporting the cause by creating a Scotch Lamb curry infused with Tomatin Cask Strength Malt whisky. The dish, which will be revealed in the lead up to St Andrew’s Day, is a combination of two fine Scottish ingredients with an Indian-inspired twist.

Followers of the Scotch Kitchen Facebook page will be invited to enter a competition – running November 9-13 – to win the chance to take part in a virtual cook-along of the dish on Monday November 23 with Tony. Also joining are Scottish influencers Foodie Quine, Wee Food Blogger and Perthshire Foodie.

Singh said: “It has been fantastic working with QMS on this recipe which infuses two of Scotland’s most famous and much loved ingredients – lamb and whisky – to be enjoyed on our country’s national day. I can’t wait for people to try it and would urge them to choose Scotch Lamb this St Andrew’s Day.

“Scotch Lamb and Tomatin Cask Strength Malt whisky are absolutely two of my favourite Scottish ingredients, so for me there’s no better way to celebrate them than bringing them together in a dish that takes inspiration from my Indian heritage, made better with the knowledge it will be supporting Scotland’s world famous sheep industry.”

Mothership in Edinburgh, owner of popular bars Bramble, The Lucky Liquor and The Last Word, is concocting a cocktail pairing for the dish for people to enjoy as a perfect serve accompaniment.