Boom in price of mutton

THE Muslim community's taste for mutton has driven a fourfold increase in the price of Scottish sheep. Ewes are now selling at record prices, with the demand from Muslims and curry houses a major factor.

Other reasons are a reduction in the Scottish flock over the past two decades, meaning demand is far outstripping supply, and interest from shoppers seeking cheaper cuts in the recession.

A seven-year-old ewe that would sell for 26 as mutton 18 months ago would now fetch an average of 100. At Inverurie last week, the top price was 172.50, but other markets have topped 200 recently.