Award-winning chef Martin Wishart recruited to promote Scottish produce

The Scottish Government has taken the next steps in establishing a national food and drink policy for Scotland.

As part of the initiative to support healthier and sustainable food and drink choices in Scotland, Michelin-starred chef Martin Wishart has been enlisted to front a campaign.

The chef is to headline the "major campaign" to improve the quality and visibility of Scottish produce served by the country's restaurants and pubs.

The Scottish Government itself plans to lead by example with new criteria for its own catering, which will promote healthier menu options and the use of fresh, seasonal produce.

Food education is also on the agenda with plans for a cooking bus, which will tour about and teach pupils, parents and community groups healthy, practical cooking skills.

There will also be an investigation into Scottish food labelling with the aim of making it easier for consumers to understand.

Richard Lochhead, rural affairs and environment secretary, said: "The time is right for a fresh new future for Scottish food and drink.

Ministers claim the cross-cutting policy on food and drink would be the first in the UK and hope to have it fully up and running by early 2009.

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By Chris Druce

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