For immediate release

Monday 11th January 2021

Burns 'Cyber Supper'! New McIntosh Pack Beams Virtual Burns host into Scots Homes for Lockdown

Bard loving lads and lassies are in for a treat this year thanks to a new 'augmented reality' Burns pack which beams a kilted host reciting the 'Address Tae A Haggis' directly into their homes.

Launched today (11th January) by Scotland's number 1 ready meal brand McIntosh of Strathmore, over 300,000 special AR 'Haggis Neeps & Tatties' packs have arrived in Scottish supermarkets to help Scots celebrate Burns Night during lockdown.

Shoppers simply download the Zappar app on their smartphone, scan the code, and within seconds an actor leaps off the pack to deliver Rabbie Burns' famous poem in spectacular style – turning their delicious McIntosh haggis meal into a fun Burns Supper experience.

The man tasked with delivering McIntosh's virtual address is actor and Burns fan Max Raskin. He was challenged to recite the poem in a single take, and also to interact with an array of dazzling animations that bring the 'Address Tae a Haggis' to life and make the experience as entertaining as possible.

Running across three different 'Ultimate Burns Night In' McIntosh packs - single (340g) and double (860g) Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, plus a single vegetarian haggis option – every meal is made with the family-owned Scottish company's traditional haggis recipe and locally grown Scottish potatoes and neeps.

Julie Nisbet, Managing Director of McIntosh of Strathmore, which has been leading the Scottish chilled food sector for over 40 years, explained that the idea for an at-home Burns experience was born during last year's lockdown. She commented:

'Burns is a very special occasion for everyone at McIntosh, and we're very proud of our Haggis, Neeps & Tatties ready meals which use the best Scottish produce made to our tasty family recipe – ready for people to heat, eat and enjoy. We recognised however that the missing component in 2021 would be friends, family and all the fun of an actual Burns supper. Thanks to a brilliant performance from Max and some very clever technology, we are delighted to launch our AR version for both new and loyal shoppers across Scotland. We hope it raises the spirits of the thousands of people around the country who'll be missing out on their usual Burns celebrations this year.'

Max Raskin has been working in acting since 2017, appearing most recently in the BBC's Armchair Detectives and in adverts for Visit Scotland, as well as being a well-known host for events within the Scottish drinks industry. Commenting on his new role bringing Burns to the homes of thousands of Scots, he said:

'When I was young my family owned the Inn on the Green in Glasgow which was famed for its Burns night events, and from there my love of celebrating Burns has only grown. An AR shoot is a first for me so I'm excited to see myself on pack, though I think my mum is even more excited! The address had to be done in one take, so we ended up doing 50 just to make sure we had the perfect version. But it was great fun. I don't think I could ever get bored of reciting Burns!'

McIntosh of Strathmore Ultimate Burns Night In packs are available across Scotland in Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Lidl and Aldi (chilled aisle and Burns displays).

www.mcintoshfoods.com

https://www.facebook.com/McIntoshofStrathmore

www.instagram.com/mcintoshofstrathmore

www.twitter.com/ McIntoshFoods

For further information please contact Burt Greener Communications

Lorna Burt / lorna@burtgreener.co.uk / 07792 253818

Rachael Tyrrell / rachael@burtgreener.co.uk / 07818 075606

@burtgreener

Notes to Editors: McIntosh of Strathmore

McIntosh of Strathmore is Scotland's number 1 ready meal brand, and the best-selling chilled ready meal brand in the UK. A family run business with over 40 years' experience in the food industry, the company is known for making best-selling family favourites that offer delicious quality food and value for money  - including Macaroni Cheese, Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, Steak Pie and many more.  Based in Forfar and employing over 120 skilled staff in the Angus area, the business has a long standing commitment to using high quality local Scottish ingredients, crafting meals based on the family's traditional recipes and avoiding preservatives and chemicals. The business is also committed to sustainable, ethical production. Activity includes a partnership with Fareshare; a switch to trays made from 85% recycled content; solar panels on the factory roof to reduce fuel use; and an on-site bore hole to provide half of the water needed for production.

McIntosh is the biggest part of Strathmore Foods Ltd. Founded in 1973, it is one of the UK's leading ready-meal manufacturers, producing a wide range of chilled and frozen products for both retail and foodservice markets.