Six Scottish butchers have been named in the squad to represent Great Britain at the World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) in Australia in 2028.
A demanding two-year training schedule begins next week as the 24-strong Team GB-UK Lions squad prepares to take on the best in the world in a three-day competition in Brisbane.
Fighting for a place in the final team are Scottish butchers: James Mitchell of J P Mitchell Butchers in Airdrie; Ariane Bennett from D H Robertson, Arbroath; David Bicket of Alex Bicket Ltd, Kilwinning; Ryan Tierney from Kinnaird Butchers, Larbert; Colin Brown from Gourlays, Crieff, and Kirsty Neil from Scott Brothers Butchers, Dundee.
Gordon King, Executive Manager of Scottish Craft Butchers and Vice-Chair of the Team GB board, said the squad had been selected for their exceptional skills, consistency and drive.
“These butchers are all extremely talented craftsmen and women and a credit to their profession,” said Gordon.
“I’m extremely pleased to see six butchers from north of the border in the squad selection and hopefully they can make it to the final team and do Scotland and GB proud.”
The WBC is recognised as the “Butchery Olympics” and will see 16 countries from around the globe do battle in a series of high-level challenges designed to test the skills, innovation and experience of the best in the business.
Mr King explained the current global phenomenon surrounding butchery competitions and theatrical displays of skills and innovation.
“Two years ago, at the WBC in Paris, we witnessed crowds going absolutely crazy watching butchers from around the world battle it out against the clock and each other,” he said. “In Australia, butchery is almost a religion and we’re sure to see massive audiences at each stage of the international battles.
“Butchery competitions are met with the same enthusiasm as football matches or concerts and the crowds really inspire the competitors to put on their most dazzling performances.
“It’s terrific that Team GB will be in amongst all the excitement and that our six Scottish butchers will get a flavour of what lies ahead as they stage training events and live public demonstrations and events in the months ahead.”
Three of the selected Scottish butchers were part of the squad which competed in Paris two years ago. Ryan Tierney, James Mitchell and Kirsty Neil all know the difficult path that lies ahead.
“We came seventh out of 14 and there were a lot of lessons learned,” said Ryan. “It’s an intense setting and it not only tests your butchery skills such as breaking down and boning out carcasses, but also product innovation, creativity and display skills. And the most challenging part is that it’s all against the clock.
“This is the ultimate showcase for our profession and everyone has to work as a team if we want to succeed. We just have to prove ourselves during training and hopefully earn our places in the final line-up. And hope we can be among the medals this time.”
For others, the next two years will be a step into the unknown.
Nineteen-year-old David Bicket, a sixth-generation butcher from Kilwinning, will be stepping into the competition arena for the first time.
“I can’t wait to get training and work with the rest of the squad,” he said. “This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and it would mean the world to be selected in the final team to go to Australia.
“This is a chance to see the world’s finest butchers in action, to experience the thrill of the spectacle and to be a part of the biggest butchery competition on the planet.
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“I’m used to hard work and thriving under pressure,” said David. “Hopefully I can prove myself over the next two years and be selected.
“My whole family is extremely proud of my making the initial squad and are already planning to join me in Australia if I make the cut.”
The UK Lions initial squad meeting takes place on May 17 in England for introductions and team bonding.
