Butchers go into battle

Scotland’s top butchers are sharpening their knives in preparation for a battle of skills this weekend.

The butchers will be displaying their professional talents during the finals of the Meat Skills Competition at this year’s SFMTA Scottish Meat Trades Fair, taking place in the Dewars Centre, Perth on Sunday.

The Scotch Butchers Club, Quality Meat Scotland’s club for top quality butchers that sell Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork, is sponsoring the competition and will be having a stand at the fair.

Up for grabs for the most skilful butchers are two prizes of £500 and a trophy each to the two winning butchers in the under 22 and over 22 categories, and six prizes of £100 to the other finalists.

June Lomax, independent retailers manager for QMS said: “The competition gives Scotland’s butchers the chance to show off the skill and creativity that is the hallmark of modern independent butchers.

“They will all be working on the same cuts to try and out-do their competitors to produce the best display, which will then be judged by some of the most respected and experienced butchers in the business.”

The Under 22 finalists will work on a Thick Flank of Beef, a Pork Middle (belly and two loins attached) and a Shoulder of Lamb.  This final will take place from 9.00am until 11.30.

The finalists in this category are:

• Lee Gilchrist, Greens Fine Meats, Grantown on Spey
• Jake Morrison, Greens Fine Meats, Grantown on Spey
• Kirsty Moore, Scott Brothers, Dundee
• Karl Stephen, David Dale & Son, Dalmellington

The over-22 finalists will work on a Thick Flank of Beef, a Shoulder of Pork and a pair of Lamb Loins.   This final will take place from 12.30pm until 3.00pm.

The finalists in this category are:

• Grant McClusky, Shaws Fine Meat, Lauder
• Richard Megahy, Simon Howie, Perth
• Bruce Fyfe, Simon Howie, Perth
• Barry Green, Greens Fine Meats, Grantown on Spey

The winners and finalists will be invited to take part in the butchery demonstrations on the QMS stand at the Royal Highland Show.