Scottish Minister visits mussel farm

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead visited Loch Eishort Mussel Culture, which farms mussels in a natural environment and sells them locally and nationally. He also spoke at the Skye and Lochalsh Food Links seminar, Local Food - Quality for Success. Mr Lochhead said: "Skye and Lochalsh Food Links is an excellent example of how small producers can access local restaurants, hotels and retailers and meet consumer demands by working together, is something the rest of Scotland can learn valuable lessons from. "From the ecologically-grown mussels I have seen this morning to the local produce issues I have heard about today, I am aware of the hard work and dedication which goes into these products. "The success in Skye also demonstrates the important links of food with tourism. "Around £700 million of the annual spend from tourism in Scotland goes on food and drink.”