JOHN LAWSON Butchers of West Lothian has been crowned the Scotch Lamb Butcher of the Year 2018.

Launched this year by the Scotch Butchers Club run by Quality Meat Scotland, the award was created to recognise the skill and innovation of butchers who take pride in stocking Scotch Lamb PGI.

The Scotch Lamb products entered by butchers up and down the country were judged by representatives from the Federation of Chefs Scotland and Queen Margaret University’s Gastronomy course, and the title was announced at the annual Scottish Chefs conference dinner, where two other Scotch Butchers club members were also recognised for their exceptional products.

John Lawson of John Lawsons Butchers said: “Our team really strive to deliver excellent quality, innovative Scotch Lamb products to customers and it is fantastic to see the business recognised for this.”

Duncan Fraser and Son of Inverness was presented with the Scotch Lamb Consumer Choice award for their Lamb and Mint Pie, which was given a perfect score by the judges, and Crombies of Edinburgh was awarded Scotch Lamb Innovation of the year for their Pea and Lamb Twin Cutlets, with the judges admiring the attention to detail, presentation and taste of the product.

QMS marketing executive Graeme Sharp said: “The fantastic range of top quality Scotch Lamb products entered for the awards sends out a very positive message about the combination of knowledge, traditional skills and innovation offered by our butchers.

“The Scotch Lamb Butcher of the year awards offer an excellent opportunity to celebrate the commitment of Scotch Butchers Club members and give them some well-deserved recognition. Congratulations to all three Butchers on their awards.”