Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has announced the return of its Meat Voucher Scheme for the new academic year, offering schools the chance to apply for up to £180 worth of vouchers to spend with their local butcher.
Applications for the QMS Meat Voucher Scheme, which aims to give teachers the opportunity to bring Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork into their schools, are now live and will remain open until early next year.
Resources for schools
Applicants for the 2025/26 scheme can receive up to £180 worth of vouchers to spend with their local Scotch Butcher Club member on premium Scotch-assured red meat products at any time in the academic year. All schools signing up before the end of September will receive a digital teaching pack for each of QMS’s Tasty Little Weeks, alongside a set of recipe cards designed to support lessons.
Tasty Little Pork Week will take place in the week commencing 27th October 2025, Lamb for St. Andrews (Tasty Little Lamb Week) will run in the week from 24th November 2025, and Tasty Little Beef Week will be held in the week commencing 9th February 2026. QMS said that the themed weeks give schools an opportunity to focus on each protein in turn, linking classroom learning to wider industry initiatives such as the Lamb for St. Andrews campaign with the Institute of Auctioneers and Appraisers in Scotland (IAAS).
Make It Scotch Ambassadors
Schools can also request a visit from a local Make It Scotch Ambassador. The QMS programme involves a network of 43 experts from across Scotland who will aim to connect pupils to the stories behind the produce with classes including hands-on farming sessions, cookery demonstrations or storytelling.
Last year, 303 schools applied for vouchers and QMS said that the scheme “continues to have a strong impact” by encouraging children to learn about and cook with high-quality, sustainable red meat.
“The free resources we provide are designed to give teachers confidence in the classroom and inspire pupils to understand more about where their food comes from.”
Tracy Martin, QMS
Tracy Martin, reputation manager at QMS, said: “We’re delighted to be launching the Meat Voucher Scheme again this year. It’s a fantastic way to help schools explore the flavours, nutrition, and versatility of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork.
“The free resources we provide are designed to give teachers confidence in the classroom and inspire pupils to understand more about where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable, locally sourced produce.”
