A new campaign from Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is set to reach over a million consumers in Scotland over the festive period by encouraging Scots to choose Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork this Christmas and Hogmanay.

To get more families cooking with lamb, beef and pork, the campaign will be highly targeted on social media and digital platforms capturing consumers who have a keen interest in cooking and recipe inspiration. The campaign is also supported with a press partnership with News UK titles The Times, Sunday Times and Scottish Sun.

As part of the News UK partnership, readers will be offered festive entertaining tips from popular Scottish blogger, Foodie Quine, including how to turn leftover roasts into easy festive canapés to reduce food waste.

The campaign will also see recipe cards, a Roasting Rules booklet as well as social media support for Scotch Butchers Club members across the country.

Lesley Cameron, Director of Marketing and Communications with Quality Meat Scotland, said: “We all love a roast dinner and with an extra Sunday in December to roast there’s no excuse not to make the most of it.

“We know that Christmas can be hectic so our festive recipes are all about making the most of your time with tips on how to turn leftovers into delicious nibbles and canapés to impress guests while also doing your bit to reduce food waste over the festive season.

“For any shoppers looking for a bit of inspiration, the best idea is to visit the Scotch Kitchen website to take a look at our recipe ideas or speak to a local butcher for advice on cooking times or easy ideas to make your roast go further.”

Quality Meat Scotland’s festive campaign is live from today (25 November) until the end of the year.

For festive recipes, videos and hints and tips, scotchkitchen.com or Scotch Kitchen on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

Top Scottish Butchery Talent Celebrated at National Training Awards

Six butchers from across Scotland have been recognised for their skills and progression in the Scottish Craft Butcher Training Awards.

The awards, supported by Quality Meat Scotland's Scotch Butchers Club and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), are in their fourth year. They play a valuable role in recognising the efforts of young people to develop their butchery skills throughout their careers, as well as those who offer support along the way.

Ian Hume, a butcher at David Bennett & Son in Dunblane, won “Mentor of the Year”, an award for the individual who has encouraged a trainee in their development within their workplace.

Hugh Black & Sons, which operates 12 butcher shops across Scotland and is one of the biggest independent butchers in the country, took home “Training Partner of the Year”, an award for the employer or business which has successfully engaged with Scottish Meat Training and the assessors, to maximize the potential of their trainees.

Sam Fachie from Aberdeen was the recipient of “Level 3 Modern Apprentice of the Year” an award for those excelling in their training. Sam has seen the Modern Apprenticeship programme further his career, recently becoming Manager of Davidsons Specialist Butchers in Dobbies, Aberdeen, after reaching Level 3 of his Modern Apprenticeship.

Sarah Swanson who works at A. Donald Butchers in Uddingston won “Level 2 Modern Apprentice of the Year”. Sarah made the move into butchery after studying for a BA in Events Management. The career change has been hugely successful for Sarah who is already on Level 2 of her Modern Apprenticeship.

Matthew Newlands and Alan Jamieson of AJ Jamieson Butchers in Fochabers scooped the “Extra Mile Award” which recognizes those who have gone the extra mile in their own progression, new product development, customer service or in any way that has had a positive effect on the business they work in.

Alan Clarke, Chief Executive of Quality Meat Scotland, said: “We were delighted to support the Scottish Craft Butchers Training Awards this year and our congratulations go to all the winners and finalists.

“It’s vitally important that the skills, dedication and talent of our Scottish craft butchers is celebrated. Every entry received reflects the passion and commitment in the industry, and we’re thrilled that some of the country’s best butchers are receiving national recognition for the important work they do.”

Gordon King, Executive Manager of the Scottish Craft Butchers, said: “These awards are a vital part of our industry as they reward and recognise the accomplished craft butchers, at all stages of their career, who play a vital role in preserving and promoting butchery skills across Scotland. All of the winners and finalists are leaders in their field and deserve huge congratulations.”