Scotland should "thank climate change" for its position as a world leader in fruit and vegetables, leading chef Nick Nairn said yesterday.

He said Scotland had become a "major player" in fruit and vegetables not traditionally associated with the country - such as asparagus, most commonly grown in Peru, China and Mexico.

Nairn, 49, who runs a cookery school at Port of Menteith, near Stirling, was speaking as he launched a new video blog as part of the Scottish Government's national food discussion.

He said: "Here in Scotland we are spoiled for choice in the produce we have, whether it is in the seas - we have the best fish and shellfish anywhere in the world - or whether it is from the land in the amazing fruit and vegetables we are growing thanks to climate change."

Launched last month, the national food discussion is aimed at improving health and the environment.

It is also hoped that the initiative will boost the economy by encouraging Scots to buy more local produce.