In line with the emerging national food and drink policy, businesses will work closer together, forming local food networks and creating a healthier, more environmentally-friendly supply chain from farm gate to plate, according to Scottish Government.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment, Richard Lochhead said, "Supporting Scottish food is in our national interest and this funding will help our food businesses grow and flourish.

"I have been impressed with the innovative, high-quality ideas which have been put forward for funding.

"We produce some of the freshest, finest produce in the world but it is not always easy for Scottish suppliers to access markets. This funding will help to develop greater collaboration and ensure that businesses can get into supply chains and meet consumer demand.

"This is all in line with our national food and drink policy, taking a cross-cutting approach to food and its wider impacts on our health, our environment and our economy.

"A healthy future for the food and drink industry contributes to sustainable economic growth in Scotland."

Capital grants from the National Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Scheme have been awarded for a total of almost £6 million to 27 companies.

Among these is Roslin Nutrition Ltd of Midlothian. This is an independent research centre, which has been awarded £87,462 towards the construction of a new slaughterhouse and processing equipment for poultry including organic and free-range enterprises.