Funding 'threatens nation's food'

It is claimed that the traditional buttery is being threatened

There are claims favourite foods like Scotch pies and butteries are under threat because of a funding change.

Labour MSPs said a ruling by ministers at Holyrood means training in the food sector can no longer attract funding from the European Social Fund.

Until now, European money has paid for almost half of training costs in the food sector in Scotland.

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray, Labour's finance spokesman, said the industry is now facing a potential skills shortage.

'Short sighted'

Mr Gray claimed that could lead to a lack of bakers able to produce traditional treats such as the pan loaf, plain loaf and bridie.

He said: "Training is the lifeblood of any industry and baking is no different.

"The decision by the SNP government to exclude the entire food industry from obtaining training assistance is short-sighted and plain wrong."

It is essential that we produce the next wave of master bakers Iain Gray MSP

ESF funding has accounted for £1.4m of the £3m spent on training in the food industry since 2001.

Labour claims that money has created about 700 training opportunities annually.

Mr Gray said: "For Scotland to perform in a competitive marketplace we need to support our food producers and it is essential that we produce the next wave of master bakers.

"Scotland can be very proud of its food production industry which employs thousands of people across the country."

Previous administration

A Scottish Government spokesman insisted the policy change had been initiated by the previous Labour administration.

He said: "Proposals on training grants to be funded through the ESF were contained in a consultation document published in October 2006.

"The food sector was excluded at that time.

"The new Scottish Government, however, is involved in ongoing discussions geared towards addressing the issue of funding for food sector training.

"Early in the New Year we will be launching a discussion on a national food policy, demonstrating our commitment to the future of the Scottish food industry."