The country’s butchers went into battle at the weekend and three emerged victorious as Scotland Butcher Wars played out in Perth in front of over 500 people.
Run by Scottish Craft Butchers as part of their biennial Trade Fair, the event attracted top talent from all over Scotland and south of the Border in one of the industry’s most fiercely contested competitions.
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.
Battle honours in the Pairs competition went to father and son duo Richard (49) and Ben (22) Megahy from Simon Howie Butcher in Perth.
Retaining the pairs title they won at the last Scotland Butcher Wars has proved a career high for Ben, who started work with his father at the High Street butchers five years ago.
“To hear our names called as winners again was just amazing,” he said. “There’s nothing like the thrill of a competition win.
“We were absolutely exhausted – drained from the sheer adrenaline, drive and will to win that kept us going. We knew we had the ability to pull it off – we just needed everything to go right for us on the day and luckily it did.
“The family went out to celebrate our win, but I was back in bed by 9.30pm,” he laughed, “We were in so much pain – our legs felt like we’d run a marathon.”
The father and son are no strangers to topflight competition within the industry.
Richard has been a regular on the circuit for 25 years and passed his love of the competition arena on to Ben.
Following their 2023 Butcher Wars win, they went on to win the Battle of the Butchers Four Nations competition in Dublin.
Doing battle in the World Butcher Wars followed that and the pair have only recently returned from competing in the World Butchers Challenge with Team GB in Paris.
“I absolutely love the competition stage,” said Ben. “Both Dad and I enjoy our daily work as butchers but once you’ve caught the thrill and the challenge of the competition circuit, it’s addictive.
“I was so proud to win on Sunday alongside my Dad – it was really special to do it together for a second time. An amazing and emotional moment for us both.”
It was third time lucky for Aberdeenshire butcher Gary Raeburn when he went into battle.
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 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.”
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.
“Our champions are an outstanding example of producing something amazing under the greatest of pressure, bringing all their skill and talent to the fore. Worthy winners.”
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.”
