ACTION to gain European protected status for the Stornoway Black Pudding is going global following last week's meeting on the issue organised by Highlands and Islands MSP, Rhoda Grant.
This week, Rhoda Grant and MEP, Catherine Stihler wrote to the Stornoway butchers, HIE and the Council setting out a number of actions already set in motion to back the case. And local people are being urged to play their part in preparing for an ap
plication via an i-petition.
The Labour MSP said: "The Department of Food and Drink, which will handle the initial stages of the process, has already been alerted to the plans. As with the Arbroath Smokie there will be a need for research into the history of the product and local people can gather their memories and stories of the Marag. We are also setting up a petition – locally and on the internet – for people to show their support.
"Although applying for protected status is a time consuming process, it will take up to two years to achieve, it is only right that the real Stornoway pudding gets the recognition it deserves," continued Mrs Grant.
Even before last week's meeting Catherine Stihler had raised the issue with the EU Commission and she has now pledged to arrange a meeting with appropriate EU officials at which she and Rhoda Grant will brief them on the issue in preparing the ground for a formal approach in due course.
Rhoda Grant has also revealed that she is in the process of briefing The UK Government, which is the Member State in the EU through Scottish Secretary, Jim Murphy to ensure they are 'on board ' and fully briefed on the case.
Rhoda Grant said: "Last week's meeting was a very good start, but we need to drive forward action to help prepare the way for the formal case that will be drawn up over coming months. I will be briefing the Scottish Secretary and working with my European colleague Catherine Stihler in Brussels to prepare the ground there too.
"Using connections in the UK Government, which is after all the EU Member State, and connections in Brussels will ensure a joined-up approach, using our influence at all levels of government to help support the case."
Catherine Stihler added: "When Peter Peacock and Rhoda Grant alerted me to the issue a couple of weeks ago I was very happy to pledge my support, and I am doing my best to open doors in Brussels to support the case."
"With action being taken at the Scottish Parliament, and the UK Government's support, we will not only be able to prepare for a formal case to be made, but this co-ordinated approach will surely strengthen the application."
Rhoda Grant also revealed she was planning to present Scottish Secretary, Jim Murphy MP with a Stornoway black pudding, saying: "Jim will need no persuading of the case to support Stornoway, but allowing him to promote the case through re-connecting him to the best black pudding in Scotland will do no harm!"
The i-petition will be available on www.handimsps.org.uk from Tuesday.
