Auchterarder Meat Emporium is named Scottish Butcher Shop of the Year

Nov 24 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PERTHSHIRE venture has proved it’s a cut above the rest by being named Scottish Butcher Shop of the Year.

By winning the prestigious title, Simon Howie’s meat emporium in Auchterarder has followed in the footsteps of the firm’s Perth store, which claimed the coveted award in 2000, 2003 and 2006.

The Fair City shop was also named Britain’s best butcher shop three years ago.

Simon Howie Auchterarder beat off competition from hundreds of rivals to land the gong at a London-held awards ceremony hosted by industry magazine Meat Trades Journal.

Yesterday, firm owner Simon Howie, who opened his first butcher shop in 1986 aged 19, praised the efforts of his workers.

“The award is testament to the flair, dedication and imagination of our staff, not to mention the good taste of our customers,” he said.

“Our team has utilised its expertise in traditional butchery craft skills to turn once traditional, seasonal products into the basis of a whole range of tasty, adaptable meals.

“I’m very proud of the way they’ve achieved this success.”

Douglas Scott, chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, said the Lang Toon premises were kept “in pristine condition”.

“Simon’s shops have become a real point of reference for butchery in Scotland,” Mr Scott declared.

“I’d like to pass my congratulations to him and his staff.”

Howie, which services hotels and restaurants and supplies leading supermarkets, also claimed the Independent Retailer of the Year title last year.