Council bosses have replaced hearty school meal staples with vegetarian-only days causing an angry backlash.

Primary pupils returned to the classroom in Shetland only to find favourites such as steak pie and roast chicken had made way for the likes of rainbow lasagne and Quorn Turkish pasta.

Other meat-free options on the menu include lentil dal with speckled basmati rice and buffalo cauliflower wings.

But the move has prompted dozens of complaints, with more than 40 formal contacts from infuriated parents.

They warned children will be unlikely to want vegetarian options instead of the hearty meals they are used to, resulting in more waste.

Parent Rebecca Webb said: ‘It’s going to be packed lunches for both of my boys this term.’

Louisa Newlands said canteen staff must be furious children won’t want to eat much of what they are cooking.

She said: ‘It’s so far away from what they have at home.

‘Get back to the meals we used to get when we were kids, and let them have a nice pudding for God’s sake. It’s not going to kill them.’

Davy Porter, who was among those complaining about the introduction on social media, said: ‘Can somebody tell me what rainbow lasagne and cauliflower buffalo wings are, and more importantly, what they get paid to dream up with those names?’

Tan Addams also waded in and said: ‘The offering doesn’t meet my child’s tastes so I’m not paying for food that’s not going to be eaten.

‘Out of a possible 35 dinners for this term until October holidays only 13 dinners are booked through school, the remaining 22 are packed lunch. That’s poor.’

Some parents defended the menu, however, which also includes options such as chicken goujons, cheese pizza and chicken curry.

On the islands more than 2,000 lunches are served every day across its nursery, primary and secondary schools, all of which are in line with Scottish Government regulations.

The local authority tells parents that while nutritional standards are the primary consideration when planning meals, their popularity is also considered.

Children in primary one to five get their meals for free, but parents of children in P6 and P7 have to pay £2.60.

A spokesman for Shetland Islands Council said: ‘These menu choices meet nationally agreed nutritional standards and provide a varied and affordable daily menu for pupils.

‘We aim to encourage healthy eating habits for children with a balanced mix of ingredients and meal choices.

‘The menu options on offer include some traditional favourites as well as some newer dishes, that reflect wider dietary trends.

‘We will consider any feedback received and monitor the introduction of this menu over the coming months.’

The council also said the rainbow lasagne referred to the colourful vegetables it contained and that cauliflower buffalo wings were a popular choice in commercial restaurants.