Applications are being invited to access support from a new £50,000 community fund set up by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

The Community Marketing Fund aims to support local projects and events that educate consumers on the characteristics and encourage the purchase of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork.

Emma Heath, QMS’s director of marketing, said: “This new Community Marketing Fund aims to make asking us for help simpler, with an easy application form and clear guidelines.

Examples of the sort of applications the fund has been set up for include sponsorship of local farming events or providing a speaker for a talk.

“Whether you’re aiming to enhance awareness, education or engagement, we welcome applications across a diverse mix of activities and locations. It might simply be giving some aprons for a charity cook off,” she explained. “Or providing burgers for a fundraising barbeque or a prize for a local sheep show.

“It’s open to anyone and everyone aiming to enhance awareness, education or engagement with the red meat industry in Scotland."

For more information and to apply visit: https://qmscotland.co.uk/marketing-development/marketing/marketing-fund

Scotland’s red meat levy board is also looking for ambassadors to support its wider reputation work to promote the benefits of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork to communities around the country.

Ambassadors will be involved in various activities including on-farm food and farming events, classroom sessions and cookery demonstrations. They will also provide support at industry events such as Scotsheep, and may be asked to feature in case studies.

“For these roles, we are looking for candidates with a genuine passion for agriculture and who enjoy working with young people,” explains Tracy Martin, health and education co-ordinator at QMS.