They're looking at how to boost vitamin C levels in the fruit - which would also boost the growers' bank balances.

The £1.2 million research project is a joint initiative between the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Dundee and Kent-based East Malling Research. The research is being carried out for Ribena maker GlaxoSmithKline.

Scientist Robert Hancock told The Scotsman:

"Vitamin C is vital to tissue growth and repair and gives a big boost to the immune system.

"In addition, if we can improve the crop we can help growers provide a better, sustainable product to sell that will have a competitive edge."