QMS to promote Scotch red meat with Meat Voucher Scheme for schools

The trade body has invited high schools across Scotland to bring high quality Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork into practical food lessons as part of its Make it Scotch Meat Voucher Scheme.

The scheme gives eligible secondary schools the chance to apply for a meat voucher worth up to £180, depending on school size, to spend in their local Scotch Butchers Club butchers shop. The scheme is designed to help pupils build confidence in the kitchen while learning more about nutrition, provenance, food production and Scotland’s red meat supply chain.

Alongside the voucher, schools can also request copies of QMS recipe cards for use in lessons. The recipes have been developed to support engaging, hands-on cookery lessons that showcase the versatility, taste and nutritional value of Scotch red meat.

Abby Goldie, community engagement coordinator at QMS, commented: “The Meat Voucher Scheme is a practical way to help schools put Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Prime Scottish Pork at the heart of food education. By giving pupils the chance to cook with quality-assured, locally sourced ingredients, we can support teachers in delivering lessons that are engaging, relevant and rooted in Scotland’s food and farming story.

“We know that hands-on learning can make a lasting impression. From preparing a nutritious meal to understanding where ingredients come from, the scheme helps young people develop valuable life skills while building a greater appreciation of the people and standards behind Scotch red meat.”

Samantha Barrick, home economics teacher at Dumfries High School, stated: “The voucher from Quality Meat Scotland enabled us to provide pupils with high-quality Scotch meat sourced from a local butcher, The Butchery.

“This opportunity allowed us to use a wider variety of cuts and gave pupils valuable experience working with locally sourced produce, enhancing their learning and appreciation of Scottish ingredients.”