Why do we import so many apples, while many Scottish varieties go neglected?

A project to plant seven orchards around the country featuring traditional apple trees will encourage schools and community groups to ask this question.

Run by the Seed Truck, a joint project between WWF and the Fife Diet, the plan will connect relevant fruits to each community. It will plant Scotland's most northerly apple, the Coul Blush in Sutherland, Hawthornden apples at Hawthornden Primary School in Lothian and the Bloody Ploughman in the Carse of Gowrie, a fruit said to be named for a man shot for scrumping at Wemyss Castle.

Project leader, Fife Diet's Fergus Walker, said: "It's about starting a cultural conversation about apples - and wider biodiversity issues. Why do our apples come from Chile? What's the story behind our own apple varieties and how can we resurrect them?"

The Fife Diet announced last month it is to cease when its current funding comes to an end but the Seed Truck project is continuing.