Members Update – 13th February 2026

Join Us for NCB & SCB Webinar with AHDB & QMS for an update on prices – REGISTER NOW
National Butchers’ Week runs from 2 to 8 March
Product Evaluations – Enter Now

Introducing the Food Standards Scotland Strategy 2026–2031

Join Us for NCB & SCB Webinar with AHDB & QMS for an update on prices – REGISTER NOW Date: Tuesday 24th February 2026 Time: 2.00-3.00pm (1 hour, to include Q&A) We are excited to invite members to a webinar hosted by National Craft Butchers (NCB) and Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB), featuring experts from AHDB and QMS. This session will give an update in the current trends and future outlook of cattle and beef prices for 2026. Please submit questions in advance, to ensure they are answered. There will be opportunity to ask questions on the day. Registration link below, you will need to be a NCB or SCB member and your registration will need approval before you receive confirmation.  Registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/I4H21lRoSq-tWbnq-UvAcQ

National Butchers’ Week runs from 2 to 8 March

National Butchers’ Week runs from 2 to 8 March and this is our moment to celebrate craft butchery across the UK 🥩🔪

 

When we all take part, the impact is far greater. It shows pride in our trade, reminds customers why local matters and puts independent butchers firmly in the spotlight.

 

Here is how you can get involved:

 

Spread the word
Tell your customers what is happening in your shop. Share your plans on social media and use the hashtag #NationalButchersWeek #NBW2026 so we can share your posts.

 

Tag us
Tag @scottishcraftbutchers so we can share your content and help extend your reach.

 

Use the Digital Marketing logos

Theres a couple of images and logos attached, to get you started.

 

Contact your local press
Local newspapers and radio stations are always looking for positive community stories. Let them know what you are planning. Use the template press release and tailor it to your business.

 

Celebrate in your own way
You might run a special offer, create a limited product, host a tasting or simply showcase your team and your story. It does not need to be complicated.

 

National Butchers’ Week works best when we all take part. Let’s fly the flag for craft butchery and remind customers why their local butcher matters.

 

We look forward to seeing what you have planned.
NBW Media Release 2026 – Members

Product Evaluations – Enter Now

We are delighted to announce the launch of three product competitions for 2026:

• 2026 Speciality Burger Scottish Championship, kindly sponsored by Colin Hewitson
• 2026 Beef Link Sausage Scottish Championship, kindly sponsored by ScobiesDirect.com
• 2026 Best Ribeye Steak Scottish Championship, kindly sponsored by John Scott Meat

Entries are now open via our website https://www.craftbutchers.co.uk/product-category/competitions/ , with a closing date of 13th March 2026.

Please note the collection points for entries in particular two new ones at Dumfries and Elgin.

 

Collection Points (optional)
You may, if you wish, select your drop-off point in the online entry and deliver to that drop off point by 11.00am on Thursday 9th April

• Shaws Fine Meats, 12 Market Place, Lauder, TD2 6SR – 01578 722306
• Gordon McWilliam (Aberdeen) Ltd, 37 St Clement St, Aberdeen, AB11 5FU – 01224 211174
• James Chapman (Butchers) Ltd, Glasgow Road, Wishaw, ML2 7PG – 01698 372028
• John M Munro, Queensgate, Inverness, IV1 1DJ – 01463 233066
• W Reid, 16 Harbour Street, Hopeman, IV30 5SJ – 01343 830300
• Kilnford Farm Retail Ltd, Kilnford Farm, Dumfries, DG2 8PT – 01387 253087
• Scottish Craft Butchers, 8 Needless Road, Perth, PH2 0JW – 01738 637472

 

If you have any questions or require further information, feel free to get in touch.

We look forward to receiving your entries.

 

Introducing the Food Standards Scotland Strategy 2026–2031

 

I’m pleased to share Food Standards Scotland’s new Strategy for 2026–2031, which sets out our vision for a food system that is safe, authentic and healthier – and one that Scotland can continue to trust. 

 

1. Read the FSS Strategy 2026-31 on our website 

 

This strategy strengthens our commitment to protecting public health and supporting consumers to make informed choices. Over the next five years, we will focus on preventing foodborne illness, improving dietary health, and ensuring that food produced and sold in Scotland meets high standards of safety, authenticity and transparency. 

 

We will work closely with partners across local authorities, government, public health bodies and industry to modernise the way food law is delivered. By improving consistency, strengthening assurance, and supporting responsible businesses, we aim to create a regulatory system that is both effective and sustainable. 

 

A key priority for FSS is enhancing our use of data and digital tools. This will help us identify risks more quickly, respond to challenges with agility, and communicate clearly and accessibly with the public and our stakeholders. 

 

The strategy recognises the wider pressures shaping Scotland’s food system, including climate change, new technologies and the need for resilient public services. Our success will rely on collaboration, and we look forward to working with you to deliver a food environment that benefits everyone in Scotland. 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact:

 

MEMBER SERVICES – Bruce McCall:                           [email protected]                01738 637472

CRAFT SKILLS SCOTLAND – Claire Simpson:             [email protected]                          01738 637785

 

Scottish Craft Butchers
8-10 Needless Road
Perth PH2 0JW
Tel: 01738 637472
Mobile: 01738 637472

twitter.com/scocraftbutcher
facebook.com/scottishcraftbutchers/
www.craftbutchers.co.uk