Scottish National Party President and Euro-MP Ian Hudghton sponsored part of the annual St Andrew's Day celebration at the European Parliament in Brussels, by commissioning a consignment of shortbread from Banffshire bakers, Donalds of Portsoy.
As part of his extensive annual summer tour, the MEP had visited the bakery in September to tour the facility and arrange a special delivery to the European Parliament. The shortbread took pride of place in the Parliament Lobby, where eager diners appreciated the Scottish delicacy as part of events to mark St Andrew’s Day.
“I am always on the lookout for ways to promote Scottish produce and business to a wider audience, and the shortbread from Donalds Bakers proved a big hit at the European Parliament’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations.
“With 27 EU member states represented here, and frequent visitors from around the world coming to the EU Parliament, this is an excellent venue in which to raise awareness of all things Scottish before a global audience.”
SNP Westminster candidate for Banff & Buchan Eilidh Whiteford, who was in Brussels for agriculture and fisheries meetings, said:
“People from all over the EU have been enjoying Donald's shortbread. It disappeared in minutes. It's a great advert for Scottish artisan produce.”
Banff & Buchan MP and First Minister Alex Salmond also dropped by and sampled some of the shortbread whilst in Brussels on Scottish Government business.