‘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.”

Gary (39) went into battle against some of the UK’s most skilled opposition in front of more than 500 spectators at the Dewars Centre in Perth.
Run as part of the bi-ennial Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair, Butcher Wars – a theatrical concept imported from Australia – challenged butchers to break down a half lamb and a half saddle of pork to create a show-stopping counter display in just 45 minutes.
Each was judged on a raft of criteria including their appearance, butchery skills, food safety, creativity, wastage, health and safety and their final display.

Gary is no stranger to competition success.
He has twice been Scottish Butcher of the Year (2011 and 2013) and followed up Scotland Young Butcher of the Year titles by securing the UK Young Butcher of the Year crown on his third attempt (2010). Gary was also part of the Team GB squad which competed in the World Butchers Challenge in New Zealand in 2015 and Australia the following year.
“The theme of my counter display for Sunday’s Butcher Wars was ‘20 years of butchery competitions’,” he explained. “It was a great time to win the elusive Butcher Wars title after coming so close twice before.
“I’m not one for giving up and Sunday’s win shows that persistence pays off.”
Gary admits the pressure was on in a competition which saw him battle some of the most experienced butchers in the business, challenging himself to create a massive 34 product counter display.
“Forty-five minutes has never gone so fast,” he laughed. “I had to go like the clappers to ensure everything was done on time and to perfection. The judges are watching everything you do. Luckily it all came together on the day – and I still have 10 fingers.”

Gary’s delight continued when he and his Dad Charles won the North of Scotland regional championship in the World Haggis Championship, held the same day.
“That was just the icing on the cake,” said Gary. “Our haggis is very popular but has never been a competition winner until now. We’re absolutely thrilled to say that Forbes Raeburn make the best haggis in the north of Scotland – quite a feather in our cap.”
Following a traditional recipe from his Grandfather’s day, Gary makes hand-mixed small batches of the Aberdeenshire favourite. He accepts, however, that they might have to mix up an extra batch or two once word gets out about its success.

Renowned international judge Keith Fisher headed up the Butcher Wars judging team, praising the standard of skill and innovation on display.
The Director of the Institute of Meat said the six pairs and eight single competitors were an “outstanding example” of the country’s specialist craft butchers.
“Butcher Wars puts them under immense pressure and they responded magnificently with very impressive displays of butcher skills as well as innovation and artistry.
“I believe the standard in Scotland just keeps getting higher and higher and there is no doubt that the future of craft butchers in this country is in safe hands with professionals such as these.

“Many of our butchers are competing both nationally and internationally and driving up the standard of the industry back in their own businesses,” added Keith.
“Gary is an outstanding example of producing something amazing under the greatest of pressure, bringing all their skill and talent to the fore. A worthy winner.”

Scottish Craft Butchers executive manager Gordon King said the Butcher Wars had provided a thrilling spectacle at the Trade Fair, pitting the best in the business against one another.
“We’re delighted to host this battle of the giants every two years and join in celebrating our champions and their achievements,” he said.
“We’re extremely lucky in Scotland to have so many talented butchers who utilise their amazing skills and innovation for the benefit of customers every day in their shops throughout the country. To see that artistry in action at Butcher Wars was a thrill for everyone attending.”