Fruit variety show heads for Holyrood

FRUIT growers from across Scotland are to descend on the Scottish Parliament for the second official Holyrood Apple Day.

More than 250 varieties of apples grown in Scotland will also be on display in one of the parliament’s committee rooms from 12.30pm tomorrow.

Several groups and individuals will be honoured with Fruitful Scotland awards in recognition of their work in promoting Scottish fruit growing and produce. They include former Lothians Green MSP Robin Harper, who is the patron of Scottish Orchards, and Peter Stuart, of East Lothian-based Thistly Cross Cider.

John Hancox, chairman of Scottish Fruit Trees, said: “Fruit is healthy – and we are calling for the parliament to help the next generation to grow a fruitful Scotland.”

He added: “Investing in fruit trees seems a pretty good bet at the moment – they do offer sustainable growth for the future.”