Pupils from remote Scottish communities will today serve up the results of a project that has seen them learn about their crofting tradition, as well as healthy eating.

The children from four rural schools in Kilchoan in Lochaber, Farr in Sutherland and Lewis and Whalsay in Shetland have been growing their own food in school gardens or on neighbouring crofts, learning practical skills and the benefits of eating freshly-grown produce.

They have also found out more of the history, culture and geography of their areas and the environmental benefits of crofting, such as increased biodiversity.

The project, Planting to Plate, is a pilot scheme set up by the Crofters Commission, the Scottish Crofting Foundation (SCF), Soil Association Scotland, Highland Council, Action 4 Sustainability and Scottish Health Promoting Schools Unit to celebrate crofting in the 2007 Year of Highland Culture. The pupils will present their produce at a supper at Glachbeg Croft Education Centre on the Black Isle.

Norman Leask, chairman of the SCF, said: "It is essential that our children understand where food comes from and what is happening in the countryside - their natural heritage."

Bren Gormley, vice-chairman of Highland Council's education, culture and sports committee, said the project showed how schools could expand their curriculum to let pupils learn about their culture and crofting skills within their own communities.