Mutton pies are making an appearance at the Black Isle show this year, courtesy of the Scottish Crofting Federation. (SCF)
SCF is in the early stages of developing a range of quality Crofters’ Pies under its Scottish Crofting Produce (SCP) label to help expand the market for mutton for hill crofters. The SCP label indicates low-input produce, grown extensively and to the highest standards of traceability and sustainability. In collaboration with the Ullapool Bakery, SCF will be offering tastings of a traditional Scotch pie and a spicy modern mutton pie at its stand to members and invited guests.
The SCP pie will restore the Scotch pie to its former glory, crammed full of prime young mutton. The spicy pie is also made from mutton and recognises changing tastes in the 21st century. Produced by Robin and Penny Calvert of Reidchalmai Croft, Rogart, the pie meat comes from a 16 month old sheep, grown slowly on ancient species rich grasslands and heather, and hung for about 18 days ensuring optimum flavour and tenderness.
