A campaign to secure UNESCO status for Scottish morning rolls has received backing from a politician and trade body.
Back in May, Scottish food historian Peter Gilchrist revealed his intention to nominate the regional breakfast staple for international recognition by UNESCO as part of its Living Heritage list in 2027.
He noted how morning rolls have sustained Scotland’s people for half a millennium. “Every community has their favourite bakery, their favourite filling and their favourite café. Everyone I’ve met has stories of morning rolls,” he said.
The French baguette received UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status in 2022.
“If the French can be proud of their baguette, then we can be proud of our own working-class bread, whether soft, crispy, well-fired or buttery,” expressed Gilchrist. ”There’s a roll for every Scot.”
To help champion the campaign, Scottish Green Party MSP for Glasgow Southside, Holly Bruce, has lodged a motion in parliament marking the cultural significance and working-class heritage of the morning roll.
“Many of the best days begin with a morning roll, just as the best nights out end with one,” commented Bruce. “It is an iconic Scottish product that has been treasured for generations and woven into the fabric of everyday life across the country. I’m really proud to be backing the call for it to have UNESCO status.”
The politician’s Glasgow Southside constituency is said to be known for its vibrant food scene and celebrated as the brunch capital of Scotland. Her motion named local businesses including Cafe Strange Brew, the Green Goose, Cafe Salmagundi, and Fulton’s Café. “From cafes to delis and snack vans to restaurants, we’ve got no shortage of great brunch spots, all of which are enhanced by the humble but soft and crispy Scottish morning roll,” she added.
“Raising the profile of the morning roll internationally would deliver a welcome boost to the hard-working businesses and supply chains”
Trade body Scottish Bakers has also voiced its support for the initiative, describing the product as “iconic” and ”a cornerstone of the region’s baking heritage”.
“We are delighted to see the Green Party bringing forward this motion and backing the campaign for global recognition for the mighty Scottish morning roll,” said Scottish Bakers CEO Lesley Cameron.
“Raising the profile of the morning roll internationally would deliver a welcome boost to the hard-working businesses and supply chains that produce them every day, and gaining UNESCO status would be a deeply proud moment for our whole sector.”
Back in 2023, another Scottish bakery product, the Dundee Cake, failed in its bid to be granted protected geographical indication (PGI). Defra ruled the name was too generic, with only the Cornish pasty and Melton Mowbray pork pies currently comprising the exclusive club of baked goods to have been granted PGI status in the UK.
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