Scotland’s Top Butchers Honoured with Prestigious Craft Butcher Diploma

Eight of Scotland’s most skilled young butchers have been awarded the prestigious Craft Butcher Diploma of Scotland – the highest qualification currently available in Scottish butchery.

The Diploma is jointly awarded by Scottish Craft Butchers and the Scotch Butchers Club, which is run by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), and is delivered exclusively by Craft Skills Scotland, the national provider of food and drink training qualifications. It is internationally recognised as formal and comprehensive evidence of quality training and achievement in the Scottish retail meat industry.

Available to those undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship in SVQ Meat and Poultry Skills at SCQF Level 6 – as well as experienced butchers seeking certification – the Diploma represents a progressive pathway to professional excellence. Members of the Scotch Butchers Club can apply for funding to cover 50% of the cost of the qualification.

The recipients are part of a select group achieving the highest possible award in Scottish butchery:

• Hayley Glen – The Butcher/The Baker, Dundee
• Stephen Maclean – J Munro Ltd, Dingwall
• Jamie Grantham – J Munro Ltd, Dingwall
• Liam Davie – Sound Butchers, Shetland
• Josef Sir – A Woodburn & Sons, Muirkirk
• Adam Gallacher – Saunderson’s Quality Family Butcher, Edinburgh
• Andy McDonald – Presly & Co, Oldmeldrum
• Andrew Struthers – Skinners of Kippen

Gordon Newlands, Brand Development Manager at QMS, said:“Scotland’s craft butchers are the backbone of our communities, known for their skill, pride and dedication to quality. The Craft Butcher Diploma sets a high standard for the industry, and we’re incredibly proud to support it through the Scotch Butchers Club. These eight individuals have shown outstanding commitment and professionalism – they’re a credit to their businesses and the wider industry.”

Gordon King, Executive Manager at Scottish Craft Butchers the trade association for retail butchers in Scotland, added: “This Diploma isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s a mark of excellence. It shows that these butchers have reached the very highest level in their craft. The standard has never been higher, and these individuals should be incredibly proud of what they’ve achieved.”

The Scotch Butchers Club is a group of like-minded butchers committed to sourcing quality-assured Scotch meat, independently audited by Quality Meat Scotland. The Club plays a key role in supporting skills, knowledge sharing, and product excellence throughout the industry.

The Craft Butcher Diploma of Scotland continues to play a vital role in raising standards, supporting talent, and reinforcing Scotland’s global reputation for top-quality meat and skilled craftsmanship.

If you’re interested in a career in butchery, visit butcherycareers.co.uk to find out more.