Edinburgh butcher wins national recognition for job he loves

A young graduate who traded in a career in illustration and design for the life of a butcher has been rewarded by being named Scottish Craft Butchers SVQ Level 3 Modern Apprentice of The Year 2025 in the industry’s fiercely contested training awards.

Sonny, who works with James Anderson Butchers in Edinburgh, said he was “chuffed to bits” to lift the accolade.

“It’s all a bit over whelming,” he admitted. “Butchery is my passion. I enjoy every aspect of my training and to be even nominated in this category was just brilliant. To hear my name called out as the winner was a different level altogether – absolutely fantastic. To get national recognition for doing a job you love is unbelievable.”

Sonny said he is fascinated by the craft’s history and its vital role in connecting farmers, butchers, and cooks, and he enjoys exploring both traditional methods and global approaches to the trade.

“It’s a true honour to practise such an ancient and essential craft, and I’m deeply grateful for this award and the opportunity to keep learning and growing in the industry I love,” he said.

 

Nominating Sonny for the award, Scottish Craft Skills assessor Robbbie Hughan said that the young butcher’s skills now took him far beyond course work.

“Sonny has shown exceptional dedication, creativity, and curiosity,” he said. “He goes beyond course requirements, carrying out independent research into international
butchery, barbecue, and meat-smoking techniques.

“He is passionate about traditional food heritage,” detailed Robbie, “especially crafting
authentic pork pies, which he hopes to one day develop into his own range.

“With a degree in illustration, Sonny’s mix of artistry, research and dedication makes him a shining example of what a modern apprentice can achieve — a true craftsman with a bright future in the industry.”

 

Gordon King, Executive Manager with Scotland’s Craft Butchers, said Sonny had taken a leap faith to change careers to follow a passion.

“He is a perfect example of someone who has gone through the higher education system and then found his natural ‘home’ as a skilled craftsman,” said Gordon. “The trade in Scotland will benefit from the academic and artistic qualities he brings to the industry and he’s a very worthy national winner among an outstanding shortlist of apprentice nomiees.”