A campaign to gain European protection for the famous Stornoway black pudding has taken a step forward.
Butchers on Lewis are fighting for their famous dish to be awarded a special status - which would make it illegal for copy-cats to cash in on their appeal by selling imitations.
Butcher Robert Smith said: "It'll make a big difference. People will know when they buy a Stornoway black pudding that it is actually from Stornoway and not from anywhere else.
“I think there will be a band on the pudding and an EC number as well so people will know what they're buying."
Nine Scottish products already have membership of this prestigious club with each enjoying Protected Food Name Status.
Arbroath Smokies, Scotch Beef and Shetland Lamb all have legal protection against imitation throughout the European Union.
The Scottish Government has pledged to help more producers gain the status - which can only be awarded to food produced, processed or prepared in the area it originates from.
The Scottish Government says a meeting will be held later this year to encourage more producers to apply for protection.
Butchers in Stornoway hope their black puddings will soon be joining the elite list.
