‘Gotcha’ moment finally arrives for Aberdeenshire butcher in battle of the Titans

It was third time lucky for Aberdeenshire butcher Gary Raeburn when he went into battle at the Scotland Butcher Wars at the weekend.
The third-generation butcher from Forbes Raeburn Family Butchers in Huntly described it as his “Rory McIlroy moment” as he finally saw off the best in the business to lift the Singles title.
“This was the one that had always got away,” said a delighted Gary. “I learned from my previous battles, adapted and progressed and finally won the day. I’m really thrilled – it’s a fantastic feeling.”

Perth father and son butchers retain battle honours

A Perth father and son butcher duo have proved they’re the best in the business after retaining their pairs title in the Scotland Butcher Wars at the weekend.
Richard (49) and son Ben (22) Megahy from Simon Howie Butchers went into battle against some of the UK’s most skilled opposition and emerged victorious in front of more than 500 spectators at the Dewars Centre in Perth.

World Haggis Champion win is lifetime achievement for Wemyss Bay butcher

Scotland has a new World Haggis Champion.
And for butcher Nigel Ovens, the ultimate accolade is a dream come true.
The third-generation owner of McCaskie’s Butchers at Wemyss Bay was overwhelmed when he secured the global title at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth on Sunday.

Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair 2025

The Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair returns on Sunday 11th May 2025 at the Dewars Centre, Perth.

UK’s first Black Pudding Championship proves tasty honour for Arbroath butcher

• Pre-war recipe proved battle-ready in UK wide hunt for best black pudding
• Arbroath black pudding judged the best in the UK in inaugural championship
• Family business celebrates success on National Black Pudding Day (Tuesday, March 18)

Scotland Butcher Wars – CHANGE TO RULES - CLOSING FOR ENTRIES SOON

We have extended the age group for the pairs to

Pairs – one butcher MUST be under 25(age as at 11th May 2025)

Closing Date for all entries is TUESDAY 11 MARCH 2025 - 5pm. No late entries will be accepted.

What a journey its been for Scotland’s Apprentice of the Year!

It has been an amazing year for Marc Ingram from Scottish Craft Butchers member, Blair Drummond Smiddy, who won the title of Scottish Apprentice of the year 2024 at a glittering ceremony this time last year.
Marc took some time out to speak to Gordon King to reflect on his journey from school, through his apprenticeship and up to the roller-coaster which he says describes 2024.

Search begins for the world’s best haggis

The hunt is on for the world’s best haggis.

Producers from across the globe are invited to present their finest versions of Scotland’s national dish at the World Haggis Championship 2025 in Perth on May 11.

Staged by Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB), this year’s event will build on the success of the first ever search for the world’s best held in 2023. And the fiercely competitive biennial gathering looks set to attract even more experts vying for the title as the countdown begins.

SCOTTISH PORK LINK SAUSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP 2025 Sponsored by Lucas Ingredients

A COMPETITION TO FIND SCOTLAND`S BEST TRADITIONAL PORK LINK SAUSAGES

To be held on Sunday 11th May 2025
in Dewars Centre, Glover Street, Perth, at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair AWARDS
FIRST Diamond Award and Diploma
SECOND Reserve Champion Diploma
Five regional winners will receive a Diploma.

Revealed - Team GB Apprentices and Young Butchers to compete in World Butchers Challenge

In celebration of National Apprenticeships Week, the Team GB Butchery board are thrilled to announce the butchers selected to compete in the World Champion Butcher Apprentice and Young Butcher competitions at the World Butchers Challenge (WBC) in Paris on 30-31st March.
Representing the United Kingdom by category are:

2025 SPECIALITY SAUSAGE PRODUCT EVALUATION Sponsored by The Dalesman Group

A COMPETITION TO FIND
SCOTLAND`S BEST SPECIALITY SAUSAGE
One Diamond Award will be presented for the best product.
Gold and Silver Awards to all those worthy of such recognition
To be held on Thursday 10th April 2025
Forth Valley College, Stirling Campus, Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE

2025 MAKE IT WITH HAGGIS PRODUCT EVALUATION Sponsored by John Scott Meat

A COMPETITION TO FIND
SCOTLAND`S BEST MAKE IT WITH HAGGIS PRODUCT
One Diamond Award will be presented for the best product.
Gold and Silver Awards to all those worthy of such recognition.

To be held on Thursday 10th April 2025
Forth Valley College, Stirling Campus, Drip Road, Stirling, FK8 1SE