Industry honour for well-known butcher
Angus butcher Alan Kennedy has been honoured by the industry he has served all his life, with his appointment as Honorary President of Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB).
The honour was announced at a recent gathering of the SCB where industry leaders and fellow butchers recognised his service and success.
Alan (66), owner of Ewarts Butchers, said he was “totally overwhelmed” by the honour and reflected on his service with the SCB executive as one of the most rewarding of his life.
Ewarts has shops in Forfar, Carnoustie, Monifieth and Alyth but Alan has still found time to serve on the executive board of the national body for the past 22 years.
Laura Black, President of Scottish Craft Butchers, presented the honour, saying that Alan was “one of the core strengths” of the executive.
She said: “He has brought so much value to the board. He has hardly missed a meeting in 22 years and when Alan speaks, people listen, because of his wealth of experience and wise counsel. He plays an invaluable role within the industry, and we wanted to recognise his contribution over so many years in some way. An Honorary Presidency is a fitting tribute to all he has done and reflects our deep gratitude for his service and dedication.”
Alan said he was “proud and humbled” and how much he enjoyed being a part of the executive.
He said: “There is never a time when I don’t go home from a meeting armed with a new piece of knowledge about our industry,” he said. “I gain as much from being a part of it as I feel they gain from me.This is a huge honour and I’m completely overwhelmed. I’m so grateful.”
Alan also highlighted the role of his wife Diana who he said had been “inspirational” throughout his career, which began during school holidays at his family’s butchery business when he was 14 years old.
He added: “She’s behind me in everything I do and supports me at all times in our working and private life. I couldn’t have achieved anything without her by my side.”
Former president Mark Barnett appointed Alan to the executive board in 2003.
He said: “I had absolutely no doubt that Alan’s ability, attitude and common-sense approach to problems within the meat trade would be an asset to the executive.”