Scottish butchers will take to the stage at the Royal Highland Show to highlight the benefits of Scotch meat as part of several live butchery skill demonstrations.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has announced that it will support the Food for Thought Theatre at this year’s Royal Highland Show, taking place from Thursday 18th June to Sunday 21st June 2026.
Over four days, the Food for Thought Theatre will see butchers and chefs from around the country deliver live cooking and skill demonstrations, as well as conversations about food career pathways and the importance of local sourcing. Those taking to the stage will include a MasterChef quarter-finalist, two Great Britain representative butchers and a Michelin star chef, plus other industry-leading chefs and butchers.
Opening the Food for Thought Theatre on Thursday 18th June will be head chef and MasterChef quarter-finalist William Rocks.
As a qualified butcher and owner of a five-star restaurant with a background in farming and experience across Michelin-starred kitchens, QMS said William has a “wealth of experience” to put on show.
William said: “It’s a privilege to be able to showcase the quality of produce that Scotland has to offer. Events like this give us a chance to connect consumers directly with the story behind their food.”
As the owner of Rocks Fine Foods butchery sourcing local highland cattle, William is a staunch Scotch meat supporter. He added: “Through the kitchen and the butchery, I see first-hand the journey from farm to plate. Using Scotch red meat means I know exactly where my produce comes from, and that’s something I’m really proud to stand behind.”
“This showcase is all about connecting the consumer to where their food comes from and uncovering the culinary expertise behind it.”
Gordon Newlands, QMS
The event will aim to educate consumers on the value of locally born and bred Scotch, and will also highlight the young butchers and chefs in Scotland’s food scene.
Gordon Newlands, QMS brands development manager, commented: “We’re lucky to be seeing such a strong representation of what exceptional talent is coming through the ranks of the Scottish food industry. The future of the food industry is well and truly in safe hands.
“There is a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes of your local butchery or restaurant, and this showcase is all about connecting the consumer to where their food comes from and uncovering the culinary expertise behind it.
