MSPs got together with farmers, processors and butchers at an event organised by Quality Meat Scotland, the promotional and development body for the industry, to mark its transition to a Non Departmental Public Body, which will materialise early next year.

QMS Chairman Donald Biggar said it was important that MSPs were fully aware of the critical role Scotland’s red meat sector makes to Scotland’s economy adn teh nations diet.

“We've using this event to drive home a powerful message about the £1.4 billion that Scotland’s red meat businesses generate annually and the forty thousand people whose employment is linked to the sector," said Mr Biggar.

“We already have a very positive working relationship with the Scottish Government. It has shown firm commitment to help maintain a red meat sector, which is suffering major financial losses in the wake of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak," he added

Scotland's Government has contributed £1 million as part of its livestock industry aid package to help recovery.

QMS’s status will change from a private company limited by guarantee to an NDPB from the 1st April 2008. There will be no changes to mainstream funding though, and the industry will continue to pay for the work it does on their behalf through statutory levy. "It's vital our results continue to offer our producers good value for money," added Mr Biggar.

The Reception was sponsored by John Scott MSP, Deputy Convener of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee.