QMS Raises Awareness of Key Role of Auctioneers

A tranche of activities to raise awareness of the key role of auctioneers in the Scottish red meat industry has been undertaken in recent months by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS).

QMS has been working with auctioneers up and down the country as part of its public relations activity to communicate the care and commitment which goes into the production of top-quality Scotch Beef PGI and Scotch Lamb PGI, at every step in the chain.

The most recent piece of activity profiled Primrose Beaton, Head Cattle Auctioneer with Lawrie & Symington based in Lanark, who highlighted the importance of animal welfare and the traceability behind the Scotch Beef brand along with her enthusiasm for her role.

QMS also profiled Ellis Mutch, a trainee auctioneer with ANM Group, based in Inverurie. Ellis appeared, along with auctioneers from United Auctions and Caledonian Marts, in the TV advert for Scotch Beef, which is currently being shown in cinemas throughout Scotland.

Last weekend saw ANM Group auctioneer Colin Slessor, star of the hit BBC series “The Mart” take part in a QMS cook-off showcasing Scotch Lamb at Taste of Grampian. Mr Slessor took to the stage, in front of hundreds of visitors to the festival, to show off his culinary skills, alongside Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean, and local chef, Sandy Greig.

At the upcoming Royal Highland Show auctioneers will also take part in activities on the QMS stand.

Last autumn QMS also undertook publicity with the catering team at United Auctions who got behind the Scotch Lamb campaign as part of Love Lamb Week, and a very successful “Meat the Market” workshop for auctioneers was held this spring.

“Our thanks go to all to the auctioneers who have supported Quality Meat Scotland’s campaigns and PR activities in recent months,” said Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of QMS.

“It is vital that the industry pulls together and that there is a concerted effort to communicate with the public to increase understanding of the hard work and dedication that exists in the different parts of our industry.”

As well as delivering a number of activities with auctioneers, QMS has also been working with others involved in our industry, including farmers, processors, butchers, chefs and vets.

Mr Clarke also extended thanks go to all those who have responded to our recent appeal to get involved in QMS’s new “Meat with Integrity” campaign which will be launched at the end of July. The campaign will focus on the industry’s animal welfare and environmental credentials.