During the visit, Mr Ewing joined staff in the busy store to stack the shelves in the fresh meat aisle whilst also hearing about Aldi’s commitment to selling 100 percent Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork in their everyday range, a move it announced during summer 2018.

As well as praising Aldi’s support of Scotland’s red meat industry, Mr Ewing also congratulated Aldi for its festive food donations scheme which will see stores around the UK providing local charities with fresh products after 6pm on Christmas Eve.

Mr Ewing said: "By stocking only Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI, and Specially Selected Pork in their everyday range, Aldi have sent a clear message to consumers that these products consistently deliver on taste and quality.

"As people start to stock up for the festive period I would encourage people to ‘shop Scotch’ and buy Scottish produced, world renowned and assured red meat."

Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, Aldi Scotland, said it had been a pleasure to welcome Mr Ewing to the store.

"We are unwavering in our commitment to the Scottish meat industry and it has been fantastic to have Mr Ewing here, in one of our Edinburgh stores before Christmas, to show him first-hand how we are supporting the Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork brands," said Mr Nicolson.

Tom Gibson, Head of Market Development with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), said: "Aldi have not only shown a great commitment to the Scotch brands, but also to the industry who work so hard to produce fantastic quality Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.

"When browsing in supermarket aisles over the next couple of weeks, I would encourage shoppers to look for the logos which guarantee quality in every bite."

For recipes, videos, and hints and tips, please visit Scotch Kitchen or follow on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.