The new initiative invited members of the Scotch Butchers Club to enter their best lamb products, with Duncan Fraser & Son of Inverness, Crombies of Edinburgh and John Lawson Butchers of West Lothian named this year’s finalists by the judging panel comprising representatives from The Federation of Chefs Scotland and Queen Margaret University’s Gastronomy course.
Looking for “top quality, innovative products that entice consumers to buy Scotch Lamb PGI and to shop with their local butcher,” they tested products such as Moroccan lamb burgers, scotch pies, lamb and rosemary sausages and mini roasts throughout the day.
Taking place today (6 November) at the Scottish Chefs Federation conference dinner, as well as naming the Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year winner, there will also be awards for the most innovative and most consumer-friendly Scotch Lamb product.
Graeme Sharp, marketing executive at QMS, said: “The awards were judged primarily on taste – something that Scotch Lamb PGI is renowned for while being underpinned by high levels of traceability, quality assurance and welfare standards.
“The Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year award offers an excellent opportunity to celebrate the innovation, enthusiasm and commitment of Scotch Butchers Club members retailing Scotch Lamb PGI products which are a cut above the rest. It’s also a chance to showcase the skills and passion involved in creating fantastic products and give butchers some well-deserved recognition.
“The standard of the entries was fantastic and the judges had a lot of choices for all three awards, congratulations to all who entered the awards and especially to the finalist butchers”.