Winners of the Scottish Craft Butcher Training Awards announced

More than 200 candidates from more than 70 employers entered the awards, which took place on Wednesday 12th November at the Murrayshall Country Estate in Scone. Scottish Craft Butchers said the judging panel this year faced a challenging task to select finalists from a very high standard of nominations, stating that each finalist and winner “represents the very best of Scottish Craft Butchery”, showcasing skill, passion and commitment to excellence.

Recognising top talent

The awards aim to recognise the achievements and efforts of trainees, mentors and employers in the industry, who contribute to the craft, heritage and future of butchery in Scotland. The annual awards, sponsored by Craft Skills Scotland, the Scotch Butchers Club, Incorporation of Fleshers Glasgow, Fleshers Trade Dundee and Lanarkshire Butchers Association, attract nominations from independent craft butchers throughout Scotland.

Winners this year included Renz Baldove, who moved to the UK from the Philippines and was able to bring his wife and children to Scotland after securing apprenticeship training with A.K. Stoddart at Broxburn. He was nominated for his award by Craft Skills Scotland assessor Willie Kemp, who said Baldove impressed him with his “skill, positivity and humility”. Kemp added: “He’s not only developed exceptional knife skills and product knowledge, but has also shown the makings of a first-class butcher.”

On winning the award, Baldove commented: “It was my dream to become a butcher in Scotland, but I couldn’t have imagined taking this honour. My family had to give up so much to support my move to Scotland and my determination to get into the industry.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with this award – honoured and proud. Working at Stoddarts is fantastic and I’m determined to keep learning and progressing my skills, confidence and passion for butchery.”

The winner of the Level 3 Modern Apprentice of the Year award was Sonny Stuffins, a graduate who has traded a career in illustration and design for butchery and is now recognised as one of the top new talents in the industry. Stuffins works with James Anderson Butchers in Edinburgh and said he is fascinated by the history of butchery and its vital role in connecting farmers, butchers and cooks, and enjoys exploring both traditional methods and global approaches to the trade. 

Scottish Craft Skills assessor Robbie Hughan said the young butcher’s skills now took him far beyond his coursework, stating: “Sonny has shown exceptional dedication, creativity and curiosity. He goes beyond course requirements, carrying out independent research into international butchery, barbecue and meat-smoking techniques.

“With a degree in illustration, Sonny’s mix of artistry, research and dedication makes him a shining example of what a modern apprentice can achieve — a true craftsman with a bright future in the industry.”

Safeguarding the future of the industry

Stirlingshire butcher Andrew Struthers, who works at Skinners of Kippen, has taken home the award for Mentor of the Year for his role in mentoring the next generation of meat industry professionals. Andrew, started in the meat industry at the age of 14. And despite being dubbed the “worst cleaner upper” for his back shop efforts at Skinners as a Saturday boy, Andrew went on to fulfil his modern apprenticeships – levels 2 and 3 – and thereafter the Craft Butcher Diploma of Scotland – the country’s highest butchery qualification.

The training he received at the hands of the shop’s experienced butchers has been echoed in his training ethic with his own young apprentices, and in her nomination, Skinners of Kippen apprentice Carol Ballinger detailed how Andrew inspires confidence in others.

“We are lucky to have many outstanding mentors in the industry, bringing though the next generation of skilled craft butchers.”

Gordon King, Scottish Craft Butchers

Gordon King, executive manager with Scottish Craft Butchers, said the industry’s future was in safe hands with mentors like Andrew. He commented: “Andrew is a master at making any apprentice he takes under his wing feel valued and important by minimising their weaknesses and playing to their strengths. Andrew benefitted from a terrific training ground at Skinners of Kippen when he was younger and he’s using that experience to ensure his apprentices there have a similar rewarding and enjoyable time.

“We are lucky to have many outstanding mentors in the industry, bringing though the next generation of skilled craft butchers, and Andrew is an outstanding example and a worthy winner of this year’s award.”

Biggar butchers and farm shop Damn Delicious was named Training Partner of the Year. Delighted owner Michael Shannon commented: “Training and development have always been at the heart of what we do, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see apprentices grow in confidence, skill, and passion for the trade.

“We believe in creating an environment where learning is encouraged every day, whether that’s on the shop floor or out on the farm. Our team is dedicated to giving apprentices the time, support, and guidance they need to succeed, and it’s been inspiring to watch them progress and take real pride in their work.”

Scottish Craft Skills assessor Sarah Frew, who nominated the Biggar business for the award, said the team at Damn Delicious were hugely supportive of bringing on a steady stream of apprentices. Frew commented: “Mentors and managers go out of their way to make sure time is set aside for their apprentice training and assessment, no matter how busy the shop and farm are, and they are always positive and encouraging about the progress being made.”