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An Angus butcher has been honoured by the industry he has served all his life, with his appointment as honorary president of Scottish Craft Butchers (SCB).

The owner was bestowed upon Alan Kennedy 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 have shops in Forfar, Carnoustie, Monifieth and Alyth but Alan 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 and said Alan was “one of the core strengths” of the organisation.

“He has brought so much value to the board,” she said.

“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.”

An emotional Alan said he was “proud and humbled” by the honour and said he loved being part of the executive.

“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 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.

“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.”

The former president who appointed Alan to the executive board in 2003, Mark Barnett, said the honour was richly deserved.

“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,” said Mark.

“He has since gone on to be a great friend to the Scottish Craft Butchers, diligently attending meetings and sharing his valuable input and this honour comes with the thanks of all the members of Scottish Craft Butchers for his efforts.”

This article appeared in The Courier on 25 November 2025