Shoppers across Scotland are being asked to nominate staff at their local butchers for a special industry award.

The annual Scottish Craft Butchers 'Extra Mile Award' will be presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond to support customers, colleagues and the business during the challenges of the past year.

The winner will receive a £100 prize – and the person who nominated them will secure a £100 voucher to spend in the butchers shop.

SCB executive manager, Gordon King, said that the Extra Mile award was a particularly coveted prize as it was voted for by the public.

"This is a chance for the public to recognise and reward someone at their local butchers shop who stands out from the crowd," he said. "Someone who has shown exceptional commitment to the trade, support to the customers or enthusiasm for the job.

"We want to hear stories from people about their nominee and why they should win the award," he explained.

"This is the public's chance to say 'thank you' to an industry that has never missed a beat throughout the entire Coronavirus crisis and single out the exceptional individuals who have safeguarded supplies and service – often going that extra mile – for their customers. It's important that we let them know just how much they are appreciated and the customers are the best people to do exactly that. Independent local butchers are particularly good at customer service but if someone at the shop stands out for something they've done for you – we want to hear from you."

Gordon Newlands of sponsors, the Scotch Butchers Club, added: "Training is the foundation of our great Industry. Well trained staff not only offer advice, support and great service, they also put their customers at the heart of everything they do. QMS/Scotch Butchers club and Scottish Craft Butchers are working closer together to support and promote butchers in Scotland."

Customers are asked to go online at www.craftbutchers.co.uk and detail – in more than 100 words – why they are making the nomination.

Forms can also be downloaded, completed and posted to Claire Simpson, at Scottish Craft Butchers, 8/10 Needless Road, Perth PH2 0JW.

Nominations close on Friday, October 29.