Scottish butchery talent celebrated at National Training Awards
Six butchers from across Scotland have been recognised for their skills and progression in the Scottish Craft Butcher Training Awards.
Winners and finalists of the 2019 Scottish Craft Butcher Training Awards.
The awards, sponsored by the Scotch Butchers Club run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), are in their fourth year. They recognise the efforts of young people to develop their butchery skills throughout their careers, as well as those who offer support along the way.
Ian Hume, a butcher at David Bennett & Son in Dunblane, won ‘Mentor of the Year’ an award for the individual who has encouraged a trainee in their development within their workplace.
Hugh Black & Sons, which operates 12 butcher shops across Scotland and is one of the biggest independent butchers in the country, took home ‘Training Partner of the Year,’ an award for the employer or business which has successfully engaged with Scottish Meat Training and the assessors, to maximize the potential of their trainees.
“It’s vitally important that the skills, dedication and talent of our Scottish craft butchers is celebrated.
Sam Fachie from Aberdeen was the recipient of ‘Level 3 Modern Apprentice of the Year’ an award for those excelling in their training. Sam has seen the Modern Apprenticeship programme further his career, recently becoming Manager of Davidsons Specialist Butchers in Dobbies, Aberdeen, after reaching Level 3 of his Modern Apprenticeship.
Sarah Swanson who works at A. Donald Butchers in Uddingston won ‘Level 2 Modern Apprentice of the Year.’ Sarah made the move into butchery after studying for a BA in Events Management. The career change has been successful for Sarah who is already on Level 2 of her Modern Apprenticeship.
Matthew Newlands and Alan Jamieson of AJ Jamieson Butchers in Fochabers scooped the ‘Extra Mile Award,’ which recognizes those who have gone the extra mile in their own progression, new product development, customer service or in any way that has had a positive effect on the business they work in.
Alan Clarke, chief executive of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “We were delighted to support the Scottish Craft Butchers Training Awards this year and our congratulations go to all the winners and finalists.
“It’s vitally important that the skills, dedication and talent of our Scottish craft butchers is celebrated. Every entry received reflects the passion and commitment in the industry, and we’re thrilled that some of the country’s best butchers are receiving national recognition for the important work they do.”
Gordon King, executive manager of the Scottish Craft Butchers, said: “These awards are a vital part of our industry as they reward and recognise the accomplished craft butchers, at all stages of their career, who play a vital role in preserving and promoting butchery skills across Scotland. All of the winners and finalists are leaders in their field and deserve huge congratulations.”
Training Award Winners
Modern Apprentice of the Year level 2
Winner
Sarah Swanson from A Donald Ltd in Uddingston
Finalists
Dominic Ellis from A J Learmonth in Jedburgh
Robert Macleod from D Campbell & Son in Callander
Modern Apprentice of the Year level 3
Winner
Sam Fachie from Davidsons Specialist Butchers in Aberdeen
Finalists
Daniel Bryant from Blair Drummond Smiddy in Blair Drummond
William Muir from John Saunderson Ltd in Edinburgh
Training Partner of the Year
Winner
Hugh Black and Sons from Bathgate
Finalist
Bryan Beveridge Quality Butchers in Dunfermline
Mentor of the Year
Winner
John Hume from D Bennett and Son in Dunblane
Finalist
Kenny Milne from H & S Milne & Sons in Aberdeen
Extra Mile Award
Joint Winners
Alan Jamieson from A J Jamieson in Fochabers
Mathew Newlands from A J Jamieson in Fochabers
Finalists
Spencer Hughes from A D Paton in Largs
Gwen Miller from Strachan Craft Butchers in Blantyre
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