Food and drink plans prompt Labour censure

by Tim Pauling - 04/03/2010

"The Scottish Government is planning a year of events to promote Scottish food and drink as part of plans to build on the legacy of last year’s Homecoming.
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But yesterday’s announcement prompted Labour to accuse ministers of sending out a mixed message in the battle against alcohol.

The Scottish Government said it made economic sense to capitalise on Homecoming with a number of distinct long-term events to highlight the country’s “greatest assets” in future years. Tourism Minister Jim Mather said such an approach would help support the tourism industry during the economic downturn and sustain momentum.

Speaking on a visit to Pub Grub of the Year winner, the King’s Wark, in Leith, Edinburgh, he said the government wanted to help pubs, hotels, visitor attractions, restaurants and cafes build on Scotland’s international reputation. The food and drink industry already employs 360,000 people and the government had committed £75million to create more jobs, sales and exports.

Mr Mather said Scotland was outperforming the rest of the UK in key overseas markets, with a 25% increase in trips from North America and a 43% increase from the rest of the world.

He added: “As confidence returns to the Scottish economy, there remain challenges and it will take time for the demand for Scotland's goods and services to return to previous levels. However, tourism and food and drink are strong performers and a year focused on our food and drink will help deliver a lasting legacy."

Food Minister Richard Lochhead, who was also at the King’s Wark, said: “Scotland’s food and drink sector remains one of our key economic strengths.”

The desire to capitalise on Scotland’s reputation as a land of food and drink was seized on by Labour as contradicting efforts to tackle the damage done by excessive consumption of alcohol.
Warning

Labour health spokesman Richard Simpson said: “I simply do not understand why we have Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon warning about the dangers of alcohol abuse and Tourism Minister Jim Mather urging Scots to spend more time in the pub.

“It appears that the Scottish Government’s left hand does not know what the right hand is doing. This is an embarrassing gaffe from the SNP that sends a mixed message to the public.”

A government spokesman said efforts to reduce excessive drinking were aimed at cheap, high-strength drinks that cost less than water. “The track record of the government in promoting premium, quality products is second to none,” he added.

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