Greens back campaign to give Scottish morning roll UNESCO status
The humble Scottish morning roll could be on its way to global recognition, with Scottish Green MSP for Glasgow Southside, Holly Bruce, backing the campaign to secure UNESCO status for one of Scotland’s most beloved breakfast staples.
Holly has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament celebrating the history of the morning roll, its cultural significance and working class heritage, while backing food historian Peter Gilchrist’s campaign to have it recognised internationally.
Scottish Greens MSP for Glasgow Southside Holly Bruce said:
“Many of the best days begin with a morning roll, just as the best nights out end with one
“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 morning roll is part of Scotland’s story. It has been part of our breakfasts, our bakeries, our communities and our traditions for hundreds of years — and it has been around longer than France has had the baguette.
“Scotland has given the world many great things, and the morning roll deserves its moment in the spotlight. It is time we celebrated this great Scottish institution properly and gave it the recognition it deserves.”
Holly is also championing the morning roll from her Glasgow Southside constituency — a part of the city renowned for its vibrant food scene and celebrated as the brunch capital of Scotland.
Holly added:
“I’m proud to represent Glasgow Southside, which is the brunch capital of Scotland. 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.”
Food historian Peter Gilchrist said:
“Morning rolls have sustained Scotland’s people for half a millennium.
“Every community has their favourite bakery, their favourite filling and their favourite cafe. Everyone I’ve met has stories of morning rolls.
“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. There’s a roll for every Scot."
Text of Holly’s motion
- That the Parliament understands that a campaign has launched to afford the Scottish morning roll protection and recognition as a UNESCO cultural status food; believes the status is well-deserved for a unique food group that is treasured across the country and enjoyed by many each day; understands the morning roll has been around for over 300 years, longer than Paris has had the baguette, believes that Glasgow Southside, often referred to as the "brunch capital of Scotland", has numerous institutions that offer this delicacy, such as Cafe Strange Brew, the Green Goose, Cafe Salmagundi and Fulton’s Cafe, and commends the work of the Scottish food historian, Peter Gilchrist, who is embarking on this cause.