Lanarkshire butcher recognised with national award for mentoring apprentice

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A Lanarkshire butcher with nearly 30 years in the business has been recognised with a national award for his mentoring of the next generation of meat industry professionals.Allan McLeod, 45, of Allan Alexander McLeod Craft Butchers in Kirkmuirhill, has been named Mentor Of The Year in the annual Scottish Craft Butchers training awards.Now owner of his own butcher’s shop, Allan has worked his way up in the industry from the age of 14 – initially selling meat with his brother around their neighbourhood, before progressing through employment at processing plants and retail businesses.Over the years, Allan took on the role as mentor to many aspiring young talents and ensured their training equipped them for successful careers in the meat industry.

And it was the gratitude of one such apprentice that led to Allan lifting one of the industry’s most prestigious awards at a special lunch last weekend.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Apprentice butcher Kyle McMillan described Allan as “a great role model”, “a dedicated boss” and “the best teacher”.A thrilled Allan said he was extremely proud to lift the award but stressed he sought neither recognition nor reward for his mentoring.“We have to put the time and effort in to training up the next generation or butchery will become a lost trade,” he said. “We