British berry lovers could get their favourite fruits all year round thanks to three new pioneering research projects set to revolutionise Scottish berry production, Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss said ahead of the Royal Highland Show.

The Show, which ran from Thursday to Sunday (18th - 21st June), attracted a record number of visitors this year, with almost 200,000 people attending the food and farming showcase.

£1.3 million from the government’s £70 million Agri-Tech Catalyst has been awarded to projects led by the James Hutton Institute and James Hutton Limited, based in Dundee, to help Scottish producers meet the growing demand for home grown berries.

The projects will use the latest advancements in plant genetics to identify traits in raspberries that make them more resilient to pests and diseases, and in blueberries, traits that are better adapted to growing in Scotland’s cooler climate.

The super-resilient berries could mean a sweeter deal for Scottish growers, who were amongst those exhibiting at the four day show, by boosting berry yields and extending the UK’s berry growing season.

Speaking ahead of the Show, the Environment Secretary said, “Scottish berries are up there with Scottish beef and lamb as a top quality UK product and this research will only enhance our reputation for producing good food both here and abroad.

“These projects demonstrate that by investing in the most cutting-edge techniques, and working collaboratively across the UK to raise standards, we can boost productivity and help more Scottish and UK producers to compete in international markets.”

The government has high hopes for berry exports, which fit into its agenda for driving up exports of a range of food and drinks. Britain’s berry exports have trebled from £1.8 million in 2012 to £5.3 million in 2014. A combination of dry summers, fertile soils and better protection has seen strawberry and raspberry production in Scotland double over the past 10 years.

In 2014, 25,000 tonnes of strawberries and 3,000 tonnes of raspberries were produced, contributing £81 million to the UK’s growing soft fruit sector, which is worth an estimated £351 million.

Commenting on the research funding on Friday, Professor Bob Ferrier, Director of Research Impact at the James Hutton Institute said, “This research is essential for the sustainability and commercial success of the Scottish and UK berry industry. Through the UK government’s investment in applying scientific innovation to address challenges faced across the agri-food supply chain, we can help producers grow more robust, disease resistant soft fruit varieties that are better suited to the UK market and climate.”

The funding was announced during Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink which aims to promote Scottish produce.