A BUTCHER from Jedburgh is hoping to help Britain steak its claim at the top table.

Ryan Briggs is one of three Scottish butchers who are aiming to prove they are a cut above the rest as part of Team GB at the World Butchers’ Challenge at IFEX 2018, The Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast.

The 19-year-old is competing in the Apprentices Challenge, having won the 2017 Under 22 Meat Skills Scotland title, which earned him his place in the Team GB Apprentice Butcher competition.

He said: “I am very excited to be involved and taking part in the World Butchers’ Challenge this year. It’s a great opportunity.

“The most exciting part of butchery for me is the idea of taking a standard typical piece of meat and turning into something that stands out on the counter for customers, although I enjoy butchery as a whole.”

Some of the finest butchers from Great Britain, France (current champions), Australia, New Zealand, USA, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria, South Africa, Greece, Spain will compete for the world championship title.

Ryan and Stewart McClymont from Blair Drummond are taking part in the Young Butchers and Apprentice Challenge.

And they will be joined by fellow Scot Mark Ramsay in the six-strong Team GB.

Stewart was the winner of the Scottish Heat for Worldskills 2017 and is a demonstrator to chefs for Quality Meat Scotland and a finalist in Meat Skills Scotland.

He said: “I am really looking forward to the challenge of taking on the best in the industry worldwide. I just want to keep learning about all aspects of the trade and play my part in it.

"I'm hugely passionate about what I do.

“I enjoy all tasks involved in butchery, from serving customers, to breaking down primal cuts and butchering on the block, sausage and other production, making our award-winning pies from scratch and working with the staff to help create new and innovative value add and kitchen ready products for our customers.”

The competition aims to develop an environment where butchers strive to exceed current industry practice in the areas of general workmanship, meat cuttings, displaying and the creative usage of beef, lamb and pork product.

And this year the focus is on youth as the industry, like so many others, seeks to encourage young starters and the development of skills.

Young butcher contestants will be tasked with cutting test over two hours to showcase their practical skills.

Cut requirements include beef rump on the bone, side of lamb and loin of pork belly on fillet.

Independent judges will score the contestants on presentation, preparation, finishing and display, with bonus points for cooking instructions, visual appeal, saleability and taste.

Douglas Scott, chief executive for the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders and spokesperson for Team GB’s Young Butchers, said: “Stewart and Ryan have a lot riding on their shoulders, but we are sure they will make us all proud of the skills UK butchers demonstrate each and every day.”

Team GB is sponsored by retail butchery specialist Dalziel, Lucas Ingredients, The Institute of Meat, The Worshipful Company of Butchers, Meat Management and Dalebrook.