Scotland’s top butchers are preparing to discover just who is a cut above the rest at the Scottish Craft Butchers Competition, which takes place at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair on Sunday 11 May 2025 in Perth.
Entries for the fiercely contested event are now open, with butchers from across the country vying for glory and a share of the prize money.
The competition, a highlight of the annual trade fair, will see participants showcase their skills and creativity in two categories: Singles and Pairs. The Singles category is open to butchers of all ages and abilities, while the Pairs category requires one butcher to be under 22 years old as of the competition date. Competitors will face a 45-minute time limit to transform allocated cuts of pork and Scotch lamb into prizewinning displays.
Judges will be looking for excellence in a range of areas, including butcher appearance, the final appearance of the display, creativity, technique, speed, wastage, and adherence to food safety and health & safety regulations. Butchers will be permitted to use their own garnishes, seasonings, knives, and presentation boards. Mincers and slicers will be provided.
The Singles winner will take home £500, with the winning pair each receiving £250.
The competition is made possible thanks to the support of sponsors including QMS, Scobie Junor, John Scott Meats, Lucas Ingredients, Dalesman, Verstegen, Colin Hewitson, TPS, Dalziel, Fleshers of Glasgow, and Robertson Fine Foods.
The deadline for entries is Friday 28 February 2025. Interested butchers can contact the Craft Skills Scotland office at 01738 637785 for further information and entry details. With a limited number of spaces available, a ballot will be used if entries are oversubscribed, so potential competitors are encouraged to apply early.
