A SCOTTISH attraction is the best in the UK for children’s food, according to a healthy eating campaign.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh tops the new league table by the Out to Lunch initiative, which ranks the food and drink options available to families at leading destinations.

The project, run by the Soil Association, rated the capital venue for its homegrown, seasonal and organic produce after enlisting parents as “secret diners”.

Just two other Scottish sites appear on the 22-strong chart, with Stirling Castle named tenth best and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, in last place.

Out to Lunch says “unhealthy” pre-packed lunchboxes, “dodgy” ingredients, and a lack of vegetables are common in the UK’s most-visited museums, art galleries, zoos, visitor centres, and theme parks.

Calling for less salt and sugar on menus, Rob Percival, coordinator of the Out to Lunch campaign, commented: “It’s unacceptable that popular attractions are denying children healthy choices.

“The attractions at the top of the league table are showing that healthy and high-quality food can be fun and affordable.”

He continued: “The attractions at the bottom are not giving families the opportunity to enjoy a balanced meal.

“Some of the food on offer is simply junk.”

Fraser Sharp, of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh catering contractor Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, said: “It is extremely rewarding for everyone in the team to see that their efforts have been acknowledged.”