AN ALLOA butcher said winning the Modern Apprentice of the Year 2022 award is the “biggest achievement of his life.”

James Black, who only recently became a fully qualified butcher, was recently given the coveted prize by Scottish Craft Butchers.

The award list recognises James as one of Scotland’s most promising young talents and the 22-year-old said he was delighted to receive the prestigious title.

He said: “It was a surreal moment when they announced my name.

“To be a shortlisted finalist alongside a raft of impressive nominees from all over Scotland was an honour in itself – to win the award is the biggest achievement of my life.

“I’m absolutely thrilled – it’s just incredible.”

James started working for J & W Aitken butchers in Alloa in 2017 and during his training he was spotted by Craft Skills Scotland assessor Willie Kemp.

Kemp praised James’ committed attitude and states he has watched James develop into a top rate butcher.

He said: “Good old hard work and determination have seen James develop into a very capable butcher who always had a willingness to learn the trade, taking pride in whatever he was asked to produce.

“He presents first class work and always with a ‘can do’ attitude.”

Staff at J & W Aitken lauded James’ passion for his work and commended the young butcher for working through tough conditions.

James said: “I want my workmates to know they can count on me and customers to leave with the best possible experience and with very high-quality products.

“I’m so touched and so grateful to Willie Kemp for nominating me and this award reflects on everyone at Aitkens – not just me.”

James aims to continue his studies by going for his butcher’s diploma or undertaking a management course.