Huge CONGRATULATIONS to father and son dream team Richard and Ben from our Perth Shop who won the PAIRS competition at the Butcher Wars yesterday (part of the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair).
Both worked so hard in preparation, with Richard coaching and supporting Ben through his first professional butchery contest.

The PAIRS competition must include a butcher under the age of 22. The perfect opportunity for dad Richard to use his years of experience to guide young Ben through the pressure of his first competition. Ben joined his dad in the Perth shop nearly 3 years ago and while not expecting it to be a long-term move at first, he surprised himself by discovering a passion and skill for butchery, just like his dad.

Each pair is allocated a half saddle of pork and half a Scotch Lamb and have 45 minutes to prepare a range of inspirational butcher shop options. They are judged on butcher appearance, final appearance of the display, creativity, butchery skills, wastage and food / health safety.

Richard and Ben went with a Game of Thrones theme and their backing board, themed figurines and tickets wowed the judges.

Competing together as father and son was special enough for the talented duo but to win it has been an extremely special result with both of them absolutely delighted to have achieved that by working so well together.

While Richard has been an award-winning butcher for some time it is wonderful to see the next generation of craft butchers from our local shops lift the trophies they deserve.

Great work team!