THE proof of the pudding is in the eating for pupils at Burgh Primary School, which has a “phenomenal” uptake of free school meals.

The success of the initiative was marked with a visit by Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, who joined children for lunch on Tuesday. He plumped for fish and chips, orange juice and a tub of grapes.

Dr Allan said: “That was lovely – the best fish and chips I have had for a long time.”

His dinner-time buddy, Emily Wilson, seven, who sat beside him during the meal, then offered to show the minister where to dispose of his used plate and cutlery.

John Doyle, aged seven, gave his macaroni and cheese, served with peas and bread, the thumbs-up, as did Erin Fraser who said her fish and chips was “very nice”.

The menu also included a choice of soup, sweet and sour vegetables, yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetables.

At the helm in the kitchen was cook supervisor Sylvia Tracey, who was born and raised in Musselburgh.

She explained: “We always have taster days for the parents and children before the new menu starts.

“I think the uptake has got a lot to do with trial and error. I have to follow a menu due to guidelines but I have theme days, and meet with the pupils and headteacher.”

Schools across Scotland will continue serving up free school meals for all P1 to P3 pupils after a successful first year in operation. The Scottish Government is providing an additional £53.9 million to enable local councillors to keep delivering this commitment.

Dr Allan said: “One of the reasons I visited Burgh is because there is now 80 per cent of P1 to P3 in this school who are taking school meals. It shows there is demand and also that the school meals are good, and pupils and parents are choosing that option. School lunches are hugely important in supporting a pupil’s ability to learn. Tackling inequalities is at the heart of our Programme for Government.”

Councillor Shamin Akhtar, East Lothian Council’s education spokeswoman, said: “Initially the uptake of free school meals from P1 to P3 was low and we’ve been working closely with the pupils, catering and school staff to promote and increase the uptake.”

Joyce Marlow, council service manager for facilities management services, said: “In the Burgh, the uptake was 83 per cent from April to November compared to the average of 67 per cent in East Lothian.”