Orkney apprentice butcher is a cut above the rest

As the son of a second-generation butcher, Alistair Park was always destined to follow the family tradition in his native Orkney.
Now, however, the 17-year-old has been recognised as one of the country’s most promising young talents after lifting the fiercely contested Scottish Craft Butchers SVQ Level 2 Modern Apprentice of The Year Award 2023.

Alistair, younger son of John Park who owns the popular E. Flett Quality Butcher in Stromness, has been helping in the family business since he was nine years old.
Leaving school last year, he went straight into fulltime employment at the firm, quickly excelling at his studies and practical training.

Alistair was nominated for the Level 2 award by interim assessor Gordon King, Executive Manager of Scottish Craft Butchers, who said the teenager’s thirst for knowledge and enthusiastic willingness to improve his skills stood him apart from many other apprentices.

“Alistair’s knife skills are outstanding,” said Gordon, “having benefitted from learning at the hands of experts throughout his youth.
“He is never happy to stand still, however, and looked to improve in areas where he felt he lacked confidence or ability.”
Gordon explained that Alistair was least comfortable in a front-facing role at the Stromness shop but fought hard to overcome his stress and earned the support and respect of the customers during assessment.”

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said a grateful Alistair on receiving his award sponsored by the Scotch Butchers Club and the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
“I was so thrilled to be shortlisted alongside some very impressive finalists from all over Scotland but to win the award is just amazing.
“This award justifies all the hard work I’ve put in over the past year and reflects on everyone involved in getting me this far,” he said.
“The ultimate goal is to take over the family business with my older brother Erik one day and this is great recognition for the business and the high standards of training and service we employ. It’s a real bonus.”

Gordon King said that the Modern Apprentice awards were fiercely contested each year.
“The title going to Orkney shows that the most outstanding talent can be found in the farthest corners of the country,” he said. “Alistair has learned his skills from generations that have gone before at E. Flett and he is certainly one worth watch for the future as he has the potential to be one of the country’s most promising young talents within the meat industry.”

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For further information please contact:
PR Maureen Young on 07778-779-888
Or
Claire Simpson, Training Manager, Craft Skills Scotland on 01738-637785