Games in Glasgow
Events
Mark Hogan CFSP

9th July 2014


We share some fun food facts about Scotland to celebrate the Commonwealth Games kicking off in Glasgow tomorrow

Glasgow 2014

After a long wait, the 2014 Commonwealth Games will finally kick off in Glasgow tomorrow. Sporting aside, the city’s restaurants, hotels and bars are gearing up for an influx of tourists and keen sports fans. Set to be the busiest fortnight in Glasgow this year, we celebrate this once in a lifetime event of the Games in Scotland by sharing some fun food facts about the country.

1. Scotland's National Dish is Haggis
Scotland's national dish, haggis, is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices and salt, traditionally encased in the sheep’s stomach, although nowadays most haggis is prepared in a sausage casing. It is traditionally served with neeps and tatties (turnip and potato), particularly when served as part of a Burns supper. However, haggis is also enjoyed all year round with other accompaniments such as black pudding.


2. Scottish Producers Grow 3,200 Tonnes of Raspberries Every Year
Scottish producers now grow 3,200 tonnes of raspberries and 21,500 tonnes of strawberries each year. Beef is worth more than £569m per year which is more than fruit, dairy and poultry combined.

3. Scottish Lobsters are used in over 20 Michelin Starred Restaurants in Tokyo
Scotland’s 16,000km coastline is home to thousands of species of fish and shellfish. In 2010, exports of fish accounted for over 59% of total exports in Scotland. Exports of fresh Scottish salmon alone in 2011 were valued at £341m. Scottish lobsters are currently used in over 20 Michelin starred restaurants in Tokyo.

4. Over a Million Eggs are Produced in Scotland Every Year
1,118 million eggs are produced annually, as well as 1,092 million litres of milk. There are more than two dozen cheese-makers across Scotland, ranging from large Cheddar creameries to smaller artisan and farmhouse cheese-makers. Scottish Cheddar accounts for 70-80% of total output and the main creameries are located at Locherbie, Stranraer and Campbeltown and on the islands of Bute, Arran, Islay, Mull, Gigha and Orkney.

5. £1.8 billion Shipments of Whisky in 6 Months
Between January and June 2011 global shipments of Scotch whisky reached £1.8 billion, up 22% compared to the first half of 2010.

6. Tablet was First Produced in Scotland
Tablet is a medium-hard sugary sweet made from sugar, condensed milk, butter and vanilla essence, boiled to a soft-ball stage and allowed to crystallise. It dates back to the early 18th century.


7. Irn Bru is the Most Popular Soft  Drink in Scotland
Beaten only by Whisky as the country's National Drink.

 

 

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