Edinburgh Butcher Inspires Youngsters at Skills Scotland Event

A leading Edinburgh butcher joined Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) today (Thursday 13 November 2014) to highlight the wide range of career options available in the Scottish red meat industry among young people.

QMS, along with four other organisations exhibited at three Skills Scotland events in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow - the biggest skills and careers events series for 14-19 year olds in Scotland.

The Edinburgh event today attracted over 2000 visitors from schools and colleges across Edinburgh, the Lothian’s and Fife and was voted the ‘best stand’ by the organisers, based on feedback from those who attended.

Edinburgh-based John Saunderson from High Class Family Butchers, showcased the combination of traditional skills, innovation and enthusiasm of the modern-day quality butcher.

Throughout the day Mr Saunderson held Scotch Beef PGI burger-making demonstrations and outlined the many career options available throughout the red meat supply chain.

“I’ve really enjoyed talking to so many kids about careers and also get them involved in a simple, hands-on activity like making fresh Scotch Beef burgers,” said Mr Saunderson.

“Although some of the kids who visit the stand have other career aspirations, by listening to one of today’s demonstrations they will go home with an increased knowledge about what a butcher does on a day-to-day basis and the importance of quality locally-sourced meat.”

Visitors to the events had the opportunity to pick up folders packed full of information about careers in the food industry including “Meaty Careers”, a booklet produced by QMS which covers a range of career opportunities from farming and animal health to butchery and processing.

An interactive game aimed at increasing the understanding of the Scottish red meat industry, also took centre stage at the events.

 “These events offer a fantastic opportunity to educate youngsters about the quality and traceability which underpin the Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork brands as well as inspiring them to think about a future career in the red meat industry,” said Jim McLaren, Chairman of QMS.

Caption: Emma McCallum, Hannah Law and Alison Laing from Drummond High School, Edinburgh, join butcher John Saunderson from High Class Family Butchers and proudly show off their burgers which they made at the Skills Scotland event today.