Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year Finalists Announced

Three top Scotch Butchers Club members have been announced as finalists in the “Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year” competition.  

The initiative, run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), recognises butchers with skills and a real passion for their jobs, who take pride in selling Scotch Lamb PGI.

Butchers, who stock Scotch Lamb, were invited to enter their best and most innovative Scotch Lamb products from burgers and sausages to pies, bakery items and ready meals.

The finalist butchers are: Crombies of Edinburgh, Aberdeenshire-based Forbes Raeburn & Sons and McCaskie Butchers of Wemyss Bay.

Forty-five Scotch Lamb dishes and products were judged including Scotch pies, haggis and burgers as well as kitchen-ready products such as lamb hot pots, curries, marinated and stuffed mini joints and racks of lamb.

The judging panel included representatives from The Scottish Craft Butchers, Edinburgh College, The Federation of Chefs Scotland and Prestonfield House Hotel. They were looking for top quality, innovative products that entice consumers to buy Scotch Lamb PGI and to shop with their local butcher.

As well as the Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year Award, awards will also be presented for the most innovative Scotch Lamb product and the most consumer-friendly Scotch Lamb product. The three finalists are invited to attend the Scottish Chefs (Federation) conference dinner on Monday 5th November, where the prestigious title will be announced.

Graeme Sharp, Marketing Executive at QMS, said that it was difficult to pick finalists this year as the quality of entries was so high.

“The Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year Award really showcases the fantastic skill, craftsmanship and innovation of butchers,” said Mr Sharp

“The products that were judged this year were really a cut above the rest when it came to quality and taste and we were really impressed with the diversity of entries.”

“Congratulations to all who entered the awards and especially to the finalist butchers”.

For more information on Scotch Lamb PGI, including recipes, videos and tips, visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.