Fourteen independent butchery businesses from across Scotland will do battle to win the inaugural Scotch Butchers Club Challenge.
Managed by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the competition will require finalists to create a counter display of Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork.
The international panel of judges - featuring industry leaders from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand and Holland - will be looking for overall technical skill, product innovation, creativity, presentation skills, and health and safety.
Judge Michael O'Kane, from O'Kane Meats in Northern Ireland, said: "There are a lot of butchery competitions out there, but the Scotch Butchers Club Challenge offers a unique experience by bringing in a team of international judges to provide feedback and forge new connections.
“So much of butchery is about teamwork, too. With most butchery competitions focusing on individual skill, the finalists will have to demonstrate real teamwork to get over the line. I’m excited to be a part of the judging panel and look forward to seeing the displays and awarding the inaugural Championship Trophy and £500 prize.”
The 14 finalists are:
- Briggsy's Quality Butchers (Jedburgh)
- S.Collins & Son (Glasgow)
- S.Collins & Son (Uddingston)
- Gloagburn Farm Shop (Perth)
- Elderslie Butchers (Johnstone)
- D.G Lindsay & Son (Perth)
- Smiddy Butchery (Stirling)
- The Butcher the Baker (Dundee)
- D.H. Robertson (Angus)
- Bert Fowlie Butcher (Aberdeenshire)
- Forbes Raeburn & Sons (Aberdeenshire)
- Strachan Craft Butchers (Blantyre)
- Gillespies Good Food (Lanark)
- Mccaskies (Wemyss Bay)
The winner will be announced on 19th July via the QMS website and social media channels.
Gordon Newlands, QMS brand development manager, said: “We are delighted with the entries and the 14 finalists from across Scotland are proof that many of the businesses continue to celebrate their craft.
“Competing against some of the best butchery businesses in Scotland is a great learning experience and provides an opportunity for everyone within the business to develop new skills.
“I have no doubt that we will receive some fantastic displays that will showcase the quality Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork we have to offer in Scotland.”
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
