West Lothian Butcher Inspires Youngsters at Skills Scotland Event

A West Lothian butcher joined Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) today (30 October 2014) to increase awareness among younger people of the wide range of career options available in the Scottish red meat industry.

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

At the Glasgow event today, which has an expected attendance of around 3000 visitors, Bathgate-based John Harvey, from Hugh Black and Sons butchers, showcased the combination of traditional skills, innovation and enthusiasm of the modern-day quality butcher.

Whilst enthusing the youngsters at the pack-out event with Scotch Beef PGI burger-making demonstrations, Mr Harvey outlined the many career options available throughout the red meat supply chain.

“It’s been great to talk to such a large number kids about careers and also get them involved in a fun, hands-on activity like making fresh Scotch Beef burgers,” said Mr Harvey.

“Even if 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 locally-sourced meat.”

Visitors to the events have 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, will also take centre stage at the events.

“With around 50,000 jobs in Scotland linked to the production of beef, lamb and pork, the Scottish red meat industry has a huge amount to offer the younger generation,” said Jim McLaren, Chairman of QMS.

“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.”

Caption: Jamie Shields, Lewis Boyd and Andrew Taylor from Park Mains High School, Renfrewshire, join butcher John Harvey from Hugh Black & Sons and proudly show off their burgers which they made at the Skills Scotland event today.