Parliamentary praise for Orkney’s butchers

In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has highlighted the quality of island butchers during a parliamentary debate at Holyrood.

Mr McArthur said: “Speaking to local butchers over recent weeks, it has been encouraging to hear how they have seen an increase in demand for their products since the horsemeat scandal broke.

“In light of recent events, customers in Orkney and elsewhere in the country are looking for guarantees about the source and quality of the meat they are buying.  This is something local butchers are ideally placed to provide.

“Major retailers will be looking hard at their own supply chains and where improvements need to be made.  This may yet provide further opportunities for local producers and meat processors in Orkney.

“After all, as I reminded parliament during the debate, ‘Orkney is the role model for the rest of Europe to aspire to,’ according to the former CEO of the Irish Food Standards Agency, Professor Patrick Wall”.