UK potato supplier Bartlett’s is launching a range of purple potatoes in a bid to stave off reduced consumer consumption levels.

The Airdrie based packers has grown an acreage on the Black Isle with 500 tonnes ready to go into the ground for their first commercial cropping year.

The spuds, called the Purple Majesty and eveloped in the US from a mix of South American varieties, have deep purple coloured skin and are claimed to contain higher levels of antioxidants than regular potatoes.

Latest figures have shown an 8 per cent drop in the UK potato consumption since 2004.

Bartlett’s has already successfully launched and sold its red-skinned varieties, Rooster, with 2,000 tonnes sold to suppliers each week.

Company development and innovation head, Gillian Kynoch, said: “It has really high levels of antioxidants. Higher than any other root vegetable so it is a really healthy eating potato.

“It is a very exciting prospect because the younger generation seemed to like its waxy distinctive flavour.”