The Scottish livestock sector has written an open letter to Edinburgh University after proposals to ban red meat sales on their campus.

While the students did vote down the motion to ban meat sales, the letter has been used to explain to students the benefits of red meat production to Scotland.

The letter states the Scottish industry is “Globally renowned for its high standards of animal welfare. It is vital to note that Scotland’s sustainable livestock production systems differ to elsewhere in the world. We have an abundant, natural fresh water supply and produce quality beef from the grass and rough grazing which make up around 80% of Scotland’s agricultural land.

As an industry, we work hard to communicate these facts to consumers

“This area is not suitable for cereal, fruit or vegetable production and thus couldn’t support a notable switch to plant-based diets. Scotland’s grassland also acts as a carbon sink and grazing animals provide habitats for wildlife and help to maintain the landscape.

“As an industry, we work hard to communicate these facts to consumers. We also advocate that anyone wanting to play their part in helping our planet amid the current climate change emergency should buy locally sourced products, such as Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, which have been reared to some of the highest and environmentally sustainable standards in the world.”

The letter then goes on to offer visits to farms for students concerned about red meat production in Scotland.

Among those who signed the letter are Quality Meat Scotland, SRUC Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies Scotland Food & Drink Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland NFU Scotland Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.