Cees Helder, from the internationally renowned Parkheuvel restaurant in Rotterdam, has been appointed to promote Scottish beef following the end of the ten-year ban on the export of beef from the UK.

He has taken up the post on the invitation of the Scottish Executive, which wants Scottish beef to return to its position as "one of the world's top-quality products".

Scottish Food Minister Ross Finnie told The Scotsman:

"With the help of Cees Helder, we will raise awareness of the Scotch beef brand in the Netherlands and help Scottish businesses stimulate trading links."