Scottish Seed Potatoes

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Scottish Seed Potatoes Varieties

How many varieties of Scottish seed potato are there? The answer is quite remarkable: over 70! These varieties range from early-season to late-season types, with flavours and textures to suit every taste and cooking method. The most popular varieties include the Arran Victory, Maris Piper and the famous Rooster, which is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and delicious potatoes in the world. So many varieties, such delicious spuds to choose from, the irresistible Scottish seed potatoes are in high demand.

Which variety is the most popular among farmers? The answer is, without a doubt, the Maris Piper, King of the potaoes! Recognised for its versatility in the kitchen, the potato boasts a fluffy texture when boiled and a crispy exterior when roasted or fried. The potato’s popularity is reflected in its production numbers, with Scottish farmers harvesting approximately 30,000 tonnes of Maris Piper every year.

Another regularly grown tattie is the pear shaped ‘Charlotte’ a popular choice for farmers. As a second early variety, ‘Charlotte’ potatoes are a variety that can be harvested earlier than most potatoes, which makes it appealing to farmers who want to get their crops ready for market sooner. These potatoes have a distinct flavour and texture that is perfect for roasting, boiling, and mashing. They also make great additions to soups and stews, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.

I myself prefer the quirky, colourful and Knobbly tattie varities. There’s nothing quite like the unique appearance of traditional tatties to catch your eye. These spuds are far from the ordinary, mass-produced mashed potatoes you may be used to. With their knobbly textures and bright, bold hues, these tatties are a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. Each bite imparts a sense of history, with each individual potato offering its own story and personality. Next time you visit a farmers market, farm store or even your local supermarket take a closer look – there’s a whole world of flavour and fascination just waiting to be discovered.

My Quirky Favourites

Kepplestone Kidney Potato: This Scottish-bred spud is not your average tuber. This blue-hued spud may not be a household name, but it’s certainly worth trying. First bred in Scotland in 1919, this unique variety boasts a creamy texture and rich flavor that you won’t find in your average potato. The Kepplestone Kidney’s distinctive colour comes from the high concentration of anthocyanins, the same compounds that lend blueberries and blackberries their deep hues.  When cooked, it turns a soft, creamy colour that will make your taste buds sing. Its long and pointed shape, also known as a ram’s horn, makes it a standout in any dish. But what really sets it apart is its floury texture and yellow flesh, which makes it perfect for baking, crisps, and mash.

Shetland Black potato: This dark purple heritage variety hails from the Victorian era and is not your average spud. One unique characteristic of the Shetland Black is its uneven pigment, creating purple rings near the edge when sliced. Another interesting tidbit is the folklore that surrounds this special potato. Legend has it that it arrived in the British Isles via a stranded Spanish Armada ship, but its early maturing season disproves this theory. Regardless of its origin story, the Shetland Black potato is a noteworthy addition to the United Kingdom Ark of Taste and adds a touch of color to any dish.

Kerrs Pink: Kerrs Pink is a cultivar that has gained widespread popularity in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Although often referred to as an “Irish potato,” it was actually created in Scotland by J. Henry in 1907. These distinctive pink potatoes are not only visually appealing but are also quite floury and starchy, making them perfect for mashing and boiling. In fact, they are so beloved in Ireland that in 2002, they accounted for a quarter of the nation’s potato production. The importance of the Kerrs Pink goes beyond its taste and texture. Ireland has a long and often tragic history with potato blight, a disease that decimated the crop in the mid-1800s, leading to mass starvation and emigration. Today, the Kerrs Pink is an important part of Ireland’s agricultural heritage and a delicious reminder of the country’s resilience and determination. 

Skerry Champion: Delicious but also eye-catching since 1922!  With its creamy yellow skin and blue/purple “birthmark” colouring, this round-to-oval potato is sure to be a standout on your plate. And don’t just take our word for it – the taste quality is excellent, with a lovely flavour and fluffy texture. Plus, Skerry Champions are highly resistant to blight, making them a reliable choice for growers. After a long absence due to viral diseases, these potatoes are making a comeback in Scotland, much to the delight of potato enthusiasts everywhere.

My final choice has to be Mr Little’s Yetholm Gypsy, a potato that is red, white, and blue all at once, a rare and colourful Heritage Potato. But there’s more to this potato than just its appearance. It was developed by the Little brothers in the Gypsy capital of Scotland- the nearby village of Yetholm. Interestingly, it was maintained for over 50 years by a shepherd named William Little who acquired it at a horse fair in the 1940s although it is said to date back to the last 1800s.

You may have noticed that some potato varieties are harder to come across than others, and there’s a good reason for that. Unregistered types are illegal to sell as seed potatoes in Europe, which means that heritage spuds like Mr Littles Yetholm Gypsy one rarely make it to the market. The solution to this is microplants. These little guys are laboratory propagated, certified virus-free, and ready to start growing straight away. Not only are they legal, but they offer the chance to try a new variety without breaking any rules.  A great tattie for any aspiring home grower in Scotland.

Planting Seed Potatoes In Scotland

Scottish farmers typically plant potatoes in the spring, usually between mid-March and early May. The exact timing of planting depends on a variety of factors, such as soil temperature, weather conditions, and the desired harvest time. To ensure a good yield, farmers carefully select the appropriate variety of potato for their region and soil type. Planting potatoes is an essential part of agriculture in Scotland, and farmers are committed to ensuring that they plant at the right time, using the best techniques and equipment available. With careful planning and a bit of luck, our hardy Scottish farmers can look forward to a bountiful potato harvest in the late summer and early autumn.

Brexit Woes & Hope

Scotland’s seed potato industry has long been a pillar of British agriculture, accounting for over 75% of the country’s export volume. For years, Scottish farmers have exported their quality seed potatoes to 18 EU countries, but changes in trade regulations have had significant impacts on this industry. Sadly, these changes resulted in Scottish farmers being unable to export seed potatoes to Northern Ireland and the EU since January 2021. This development created significant challenges for the Scottish seed potato industry, leaving farmers scrambling to adapt to these new trade restrictions.

A recent positive event has been Lord Richard Benyon, Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra), announced a significant change in the movement of plants and seeds from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Following the Windsor Framework – the proposed post-Brexit legal agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom – previously prohibited seed potatoes and other shrubs and plants will now be allowed to move freely. This is exciting news for Scottish farmers and hopefully a turning point to bringing our seed potatoes back into EU markets.

As highlanders and potato lovers, there’s something special about Scottish tatties that really piques our curiosity. We find ourselves constantly learning more about these spuds as we explore their history and heritage, and uncovering more fascinating tidbits with each passing day that we will pass on to our readers.

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