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Angus farmer Andrew Stirling says dry weather has made this year’s tatties the tastiest yet.

Speaking from his farm at Upper Dysart, Lunan, near Montrose, he said it’s been a good year for potatoes.

And that’s down to a relatively dry harvest season, he explained.

He added: “As always, there’s been the classic farmer’s moan – it’s too dry at harvest time.

“The challenge with dry conditions is that potatoes can bruise more easily.

“However, those same dry conditions actually make potatoes much tastier.”

According to Andrew, a warm, dry spell during this year’s harvest boosted dry matter in the crop.

This is the secret to extra flavour, he said, adding: “The potatoes were slightly smaller this season.

“But that higher dry matter means they’re fuller in flavour and have a lovely texture when cooked.

“Whether it’s mash, potato salads, or even good old-fashioned stovies, this year’s spuds are some of the tastiest yet.”

He continued: “Every year is different but 2025 has shown how Scotland’s unpredictable weather can actually work in our favour.

“Although there are fewer of the big baking potatoes which have been seen in previous years, the overall tonnage is good.

“Medium-sized spuds are holding strong, and baby and salad varieties are slightly larger than usual.”

Andrew and his family harvest potatoes from June to October.

Stirling Potatoes sells its spuds in a variety of formats through retailers including Aldi and Spar, as well as multiple farm shops throughout the UK.

The firm has supplied Aldi for about 12 years.

Graham Nicolson, group buying director at Aldi Scotland, said: “As with any crop grown in Scotland, the unpredictable weather conditions can have an impact on the size, shape and taste of the product.

“Working with expert suppliers like Stirling Potatoes ensures we get the best possible produce every season, and our customers can enjoy the freshest, tastiest Scottish produce all year round.

“We’re looking forward to sampling this season’s flavoursome potatoes — which are sure to be the cream of the crop.”

Aldi works with more than 90 suppliers in Scotland, stocking 450 Scottish products.

It came out on top in a recent NFU Scotland survey of Scottish sourcing at supermarkets north of the border.

The discount retailer claims to be the only UK supermarket with a dedicated Scottish buying department. It says this allows it to “tap into Scotland’s vibrant agricultural and manufacturing base”.

This article appeared in The Courier on 6 November 2025