A.D Paton butchers in Largs has been announced as a finalist in a new Scotch Lamb PGI initiative - in the industry’s equivalent of the Champions League.
The new competition was introduced by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in a bid to find the ultimate “Champion of Champions” Scotch Lamb product, as well as showcasing the skills and innovation of Scottish butchers. 
Butchers who are members of the Scotch Butchers Club run by QMS entered products which had already been recognised nationally through other prestigious butchers’ competitions, for the competition.
The products were judged by a panel from the Federation of Chefs Scotland at Edinburgh College who cast a critical and expert eye over the award-winning products. 
The finalist products are from the following butchers: John Lawsons and Boghall Butchers of West Lothian, Mearns T. McCaskie of Wemyss Bay, John Saunderson’s butchers of Edinburgh, A.D Paton butchers of Largs and Watson’s of Leven.
The competition was fierce with the range of products entered including Scotch Lamb Pies, Minted Rack of Lamb, Stuffed Lamb Noisettes and Lamb and Mint Burgers.
The awards were launched to showcase the award-winning Scotch Lamb products created by Scotch Butchers Club members, in the run up to Quality Meat Scotland’s 2017 Wham Bam Lamb campaign, which is set to kick off in mid-August.
Butchers who are members of the Scotch Butchers Club retail Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork from suppliers who adhere to the quality standards required by Quality Meat Scotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme.
Scott Paton of A.D Paton butchers said he was absolutely delighted be a finalist.
“We are proud to be recognised for using such high-quality Scotch Lamb and feel incredibly honoured to be finalists in the Champion of Champions Scotch Lamb PGI Award.
“We always strive to provide the best quality produce for our customers and encourage people to buy locally-sourced produce. Our customers love our spicy range of Scotch Lamb products and it seems the judges did too!”
Graeme Sharp, Marketing Executive at QMS, said these new awards showcase the quality and innovation of Scottish butchers.
“All of the products entered into the Champion of Champions Scotch Lamb PGI Awards are truly a cut above the rest when it comes to quality and taste. Many congratulations to all the finalists.”
The winner of the Champion of Champions Scotch Lamb Award will be announced in the coming weeks as the Scotch Lamb campaign gets underway.
For more information on Scotch Lamb PGI, including recipes, videos and tips, visit www.scotchkitchen.com or follow Scotch Kitchen on Facebook or Twitter.
Scott added that with the barbecue season being all important when we do get some good days of sunshine, there was plenty of good opportunity to stock up at the Aitken Street premises