THE Scottish Government is supporting an application for Scottish Wild Salmon to achieve protected food name status with the aim of distinguishing it from cheap imitations.

A final application for the product to be registered as a Protected Geographical Indication under the EU Protected Food names Scheme has been issued for consultation: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/305128

Scottish Government officials have been working with the applicants, the Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland, on the bid which covers Scottish Wild Salmon caught across the whole of Scotland. It does not cover processed or smoked wild salmon.

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "Scotland's food and drink industry is, in the main, going from strength to strength. Moves to replicate the success of the likes of Scotch Beef and Scottish Farmed Salmon - which both enjoy protected status - are to be welcomed.

“Scotland is already home to some of the highest selling protected foods in Europe, but we are still only scratching the surface and can make even more of the fantastic produce on our doorstep. We have huge potential to build on our reputation as a land of food and drink.

“We recently organised a seminar to raise awareness of the benefits of protected status and are providing expert advice and support to those considering future applications. I hope that many more food producers and organisations will sign up for Scotland's food revolution over the coming months."

George Pullar, director of Usan Salmon Fisheries Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Scottish Wild Salmon is being considered for this prestigious and much sought after accreditation. Achievement of this award would provide positive endorsement for this unique iconic Scottish product and traditional salmon netters.

“Scottish Wild Salmon represents the finest of Scottish produce, a fact recognised worldwide by both domestic customers and top chefs and restaurants. The fish themselves are captured in a sustainable manner, using environmentally friendly methods, before reaching the customer in pristine condition. Being a completely natural product, they are highly nutritious and represent the very best in healthy eating for the people of Scotland and our consumers abroad.”

Scottish Wild Salmon is one of a number of PFN applications currently being considered by producers – others include Stornoway Black Pudding, Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop cheese and Lorne Sausage.