Scientists produce the first ever blueberry to flourish in Scottish climate

Scotland’s fertile soils, abundant clean water, and milder summer temperatures create ideal conditions for producing high-quality berries. 

And now after ten years worth of research, scientists are celebrating after producing the first ever blueberry to flourish in Scotland’s climate.

It comes following an extensive breeding programme at the James Hutton Institute during which time more than 300 unique blueberry crosses were made to find the right combination.

The result, named Highland Charm, has been made from a selection of blueberries bred from the native north American species (Vaccinium corymbosum), and it could be on our shelves in two years. 

‘This cultivar is a real standout,’ blueberry breeder, Susan McCallum said. ‘It combines high yields, excellent fruit size, outstanding flavour, with a balanced sugar-acid profile and a satisfying bite, and an impressive shelf life.

‘It is reliable and has performed well in our trials year after year, with consistent yield, size and taste. Growers are really excited about it.’

The new berry has been successfully trialled in the UK and the EU, constantly performing well across multiple seasons and diverse conditions.  

Cooler summers extend the ripening period of soft fruit, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars and acids, resulting in a more intense, well-balanced flavour compared to berries that ripen rapidly in hotter climates.

UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries a year but 90% of them are imported from overseas. 

Researchers at the Hutton believe Highland Charm will meet the demands of the industry for home grown fruit. They said its climate resilience represents a significant advance for growers.

Dr McCallum hopes the new berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. 

‘They are fresher with higher health benefits than imported berries that take six weeks to get from the field to the shelves,’ she said.

‘The imported fruit is often picked slightly too early and while its colour continues to develop, its flavour does not. I guarantee people will taste the difference with in- season, local fruit and will want to go back for more.’

Highland Charm is currently going through the licensing process that will declare it to be a novel and unique blueberry and should be on supermarket shelves in about three years. A sister variety under development is also expected to enter the licensing process next year.

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