As the latest break out of foot and mouth disease in England continues to dominate headlines both north and south of the border, the National Farmers’ Union Scotland (NFUS) says that there is a need, now more than ever, for members of the public to show their support for Scottish farming by buying Scottish produce.

As such, NFUS is calling for members of the public to attend the “Foodies at the Festival” event, which will be held on 18 and 19 August.

Anna Davies, NFU Scotland Communications Manager, said: “Scottish farming has much to be proud of. It produces some of the finest food in the world and also helps maintain some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The Edinburgh International Festival is the ideal chance for Scottish produce to be promoted far and wide.

“Much of the recent media coverage of farming has been of the sort we all dread – nobody wants to see the suffering and anguish of those who have been affected by the recent Foot and Mouth cases.

“But what this highlights is the need, now more than ever, for members of the public to show their support for Scottish farming by buying Scottish produce.

“I would encourage anyone who is in Edinburgh on 18 and 19 August to come along to the Foodies event at the Roxburghe Hotel and meet some of the farmers who produce the food that goes onto our dinner plates every day.

“And it’s not just about one weekend – wherever you are over the Festival, ask the origins of what you are eating and ensure that it has come from Scotland! Visitors to the Festival are here to experience the best that this small country has to offer and a crucial part of that experience should be locally produced food.”

For more information visit: www.foodiesfestival.com .