Butchers are being invited to go head-to-head in the industry’s most demanding challenge as Butcher Wars returns to Scotland.
The theatrical spectacle, which pits the skills of the country’s most talented butchers against each other, will take place at the Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB) biennial trade fair in Perth on Sunday, 11 May.
Entries are now open for contestant butchers brave enough to face the best in the business in the singles and pairs championship categories of the spectacular live showdown.
The May challenge will be the third time SCB Trade Fair has hosted the national event and Executive Manager Gordon King said it has become a highlight of the popular gathering of butchers and industry delegates from all over the country.
“This is one of the most impressive displays of skill you will see anywhere,” he said. “To witness talented butchers from every corner of the country do battle is a unique spectacle.
“It is a show like no other,” he said, “and one that guarantees to thrill, excite and inspire their peers and other industry spectators.”
Competitors will be given 45 minutes to break down a half lamb and a half saddle of pork to create a show-stopping counter display. Butchers will be judged on a raft of criteria including their appearance, butchery skills, food safety, creativity, wastage, health and safety and their final display.
“We’re going to see the country’s very best in action,” said Gordon. “Our butchers are among the most skilled professionals in the food trade and this battle of the best displays the amazing skills, craft and innovation of our industry to break down large meat portions and prepare tempting display counter offerings for our customers – and all in under an hour.
“Hopefully Scotland Butcher Wars 2025 will appeal to many ambitious butchers throughout Scotland – both young and more experienced – who are up for the fight.”
Butcher Wars is a concept imported from Australia with the World Butcher Wars attracting entries from all four corners of the globe – Brazil to Italy and Tonga to USA. This year’s international ‘war’ will be held in England in July, with winners of the Scottish event gaining automatic entry.
Entries for Scotland Butcher Wars close on February 28, with entry forms and further details available on the SCB website at www.craftbutchers.co.uk
