Top 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.

The awards, sponsored by Quality Meat Scotland's Scotch Butchers Club and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), are in their fourth year. They play a valuable role in recognising 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.

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 hugely 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.”