MSPs and government ministers left their lunch boxes at home and instead tucked into free vegan cheese pizza this week – delivered and dished up by 24 year-old Jenna McGuinness.

The event, organised by international animal rights charity Peta and Edinburgh pizza restaurant La Favorita, marked the start of World Vegan Month with Glaswegian McGuinness wearing a gown made entirely of lettuce leaves for the occasion.

"PETA and I are eager to show everyone, from MSPs to everyday Edinburghers, how delicious and healthy vegan food can be", McGuinness said.

"November is World Vegan Month, so there's never been a better time to try the delicious vegan meals on offer at so many of Edinburgh's restaurants, including pizza, sushi, curry and more."

La Favorita Delivered is the first Italian restaurant in Scotland to offer pizza topped with vegan cheese.

Demand for dairy-free products is on the rise: according to recent reports, one in five Brits now includes non-dairy milks in his or her weekly shopping trip, and research group Mintel has found that the market has increased by 155% in the last two years.

Peta – whose motto reads "animals are not ours to eat" – offers free recipes and tips for going vegan on its website.