Scottish butchers are gearing up to offer more home delivery and pick-up services to ensure people can continue to buy meat during the coronavirus pandemic.
Members of the Scottish Craft Butchers organisation and the Scotch Butchers Club, run by red meat levy body Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), say they are taking steps to ensure trade is not disrupted as a result of social-distancing guidelines.
This includes the introduction of new delivery services, including free drop-offs to elderly people and those unable to leave their homes.
“In light of these uncertain times, our members understand the responsibility they hold in providing a trusted and reliable service to local communities,” said Scottish Craft Butchers executive manager Gordon King.
“We understand that we must adapt with the situation, so home delivery options, as well as new pick-up services from shops, provide customers with different options to receive products.
“These are testing times, and we want to do all we can to provide people with the reassurance that we’re here to support them.”
Scotch Butchers Club chairman Jock Gibson, who owns Macbeth’s Butchers in Forres, said: “Butchers are at the heart of Scotland’s communities and are totally committed to helping vulnerable members of the public during what is undoubtedly a worrying time.
“The provision of delivery services means customers are able to easily receive high-quality Scotch Beef PGI, Scotch Lamb PGI and Specially Selected Pork from their trusted local butchers – providing people with peace of mind.”
Customers are still being welcomed in-store, with additional hygiene methods such as the provision of hand sanitiser dispensers being installed, contactless payments and shops underdoing regular deep cleans.