Falleninch team to represent Scotland

Trepidation as English fear challenge from Stirling

They may not be William Wallace or Robert the Bruce but the nation can be confident that Erin Conroy and Stuart Rankin will put up a strong fight against the English, Irish and Welsh when they battle it out with six other of the UK’s best young butchers at Foodex on Tuesday 19th April.

They will showcase their skills and talent as they go head to head in the Premier Young Butcher 2016 competition which is supported by the Scotch Butchers Club.

Among those competing for the title will be Erin Conroy, a 23-year-old level 3 Meat and Processing apprentice with Scottish Training, who currently works at Falleninch Farm Shop on the outskirts of Stirling.

Miss Conroy will be joined by her colleague and fellow level 3 Meat and Poultry apprentice, Stuart Rankin.

Miss Conroy and Mr Rankin will battle it out against another six talented young butchers from across Northern Ireland and the UK in a bid to lift the coveted title of Premier Young Butcher 2016.

The Premier Young Butcher Competition 2016, organised by the National Federation of Meat and Food Traders, is being hosted by William Reed Media and supported by the Scotch Butchers Club, AHDB Beef & Lamb, AHDB Pork, Cambrian Training, Institute of Meat, RAPS UK, Weddel Swift and the Worshipful Company of Butchers.

The competition aims to promote the traditional craft skills, good working practices and innovative product development demonstrated by 18-23 year old apprentices.

Gordon King of Scottish Meat Training who will travel down to support the pair said:-

"I have seen how well both Erin and Stuart have developed while working towards their Modern Apprentice qualifications. Since they were selected top represent Scotland their coach at Falleninch Farm Shop, Mark Ramsay, has been putting them through intense practice to ensure they have every chance when they come up against their fellow constants at the Birmingham showdown.

"Their dedication and hard work has to be admired and we wish them the best of luck in the competition."

The Premier Young Butcher Competition will take place on Tuesday 19th April at Foodex, Birmingham NEC.