SCOTTISH FOOD fortnight was launched in the fitting setting of Glamis Castle’s 16th century kitchens yesterday with positive messages from the government and one of the nation’s greatest culinary ambassadors.

Scottish Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead told guests the food agenda was a key priority for Scotland’s new leaders and pledged to work on bringing the sector together to help it enhance a worldwide reputation for quality.

The promise was welcomed by the event’s other main guest, Food Fortnight patron Lady Claire MacDonald who said a focus on food being fun would bring benefit to future generations and perhaps go some way to help Scotland shake off its tag as a nation of unhealthy eaters.

Now in its fifth year, Scottish Food Fortnight is organised by the Scottish Countryside Alliance Educational Trust and aims to promote everything from meat and fish to beers and whiskies.

Over the next two weeks it will see hundreds of people take part in a range of initiatives focused on promoting Scotland’s larder and emphasising the importance of buying and eating local produce.

Period costume-clad children from Glamis primary school joined yesterday’s official launch, serving guests with a range of produce freshly cooked by award-winning chefs Andrew Wilkie and Kevin MacGillivray from nearby Castleton House Hotel, including grouse prepared after being piped in on the feather by Forfar Academy youngster Jimmy Morris.

Held to coincide with Scotland’s Countryside Festival this weekend, the launch heard Mr Lochhead say how impressed he had been with the diversity and success of Scotland’s food businesses during the first 100 days of his new job.

“What I have been struck by is the number of small businesses in the sector making the most of the appetite for healthy produce,” he said.

“The new government is absolutely determined to make the most of this resource,” he added.

“We believe that there is a case for a Scottish food policy. There are many aspects to that and if we can bring those together in a policy I believe that will move forward the food agenda in this country,” said Mr Lochhead.

Lady MacDonald, a celebrated food writer and self-taught cook, said, “The joy and excitement of Scottish Food Fortnight is that it is growing in importance and recognition year on year.

She continued, “People equate Scotland’s problems of obesity with food but it has got nothing to do with that, it is to do with discipline and eating three meals a day and nothing in between.

“Quantity and what you eat with lack of discipline is what creates obesity and quality food must never in any way be damaged by this connection with poor Scottish diet.

“It has become fashionable to see as dumb subjects like cooking, but there is nothing more worthwhile than cooking good food well, whether it is for your family or visitors.

“Food unites people, it is a bond and it should be fun and kept in its rightful place,” added Lady MacDonald.

A food hall with its own demonstration area is one of the attractions set to draw the crowds at this weekend’s Countryside Festival.

The event, in the grounds of the Angus landmark, also includes lurcher, gun dog and terrier competitions, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, falconry and displays by the ever-popular Devil’s Horsemen.