The Shetland Seaweed Lamb comes from this croft on the shore of Stromness Voe. Photo, Richard Briggs

Accreditations

In other research, Shetland Lamb was found to have significantly higher levels of a derivative of Omega-6, Conjugated Linoleic Acid when compared to levels normally found in lamb. Conjugated Linoleic Acid has been found to be an agent that prevents the onset of cancer.

PROTECTED DESIGNATION OF ORIGIN – (PDO) In recognition of the different characteristics of the meat, the distinctive red and yellow PDO symbol has been awarded to Shetland Lamb that is less than 12 months old and produced as well as slaughtered in Shetland. Other British products so honoured are Cornish Clotted Cream and Stilton Blue Cheese. Look out for the logo on the front of packaging. The EU Geographical Indication symbol assures customers of the genuineness of the product’s origin.

FARM ASSURANCE – QMS Registered Number 1205. I have been a member of Quality Meat Scotland’s farm assurance scheme since 1993. This has involved an annual farm visit to assess my flock, facilities and records.

SCOTTISH CROFTING PRODUCE – As a farm assured member of the Scottish Crofting Federation my Shetland Lamb is included in the scheme that promotes foods produced from crofts in the crofting counties in the North of Scotland.

FOOD STANDARDS – I have in place HACCP Plans approved by both Shetland Islands Council and East Lothian Council. These plans document my processes and checks, which monitor my produce from farm gate to final customer.

GUILD OF FINE FOOD – Briggs’ Shetland lamb is an accredited supplier

SLOW FOOD – Briggs’ Shetland lamb is a supporter of Slow Food UK.

HEALTHIER MEAT

I try to finish my Shetland lambs without the use of corn based feeds. This helps to ensure that the meat has a good balance of the essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. Research has shown that meat from grazing animals contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 in a ratio of 1:2, which matches the proportion required in human nutrition. However, meat raised on corn based diets was found to have similar combined levels of Omega-3 and Omega-6 but in the ratio of 1:6.

In other research, Shetland Lamb was found to have significantly higher levels of a derivative of Omega-6, Conjugated Linoleic Acid when compared to levels normally found in lamb. Conjugated Linoleic Acid has been found to be an agent that prevents the onset of cancer.