It’s an unassuming village on the Clyde estuary best known for its busy ferry terminal to Rothesay and a pretty railway station, newly voted the UK’s most loved station.
But now Wemyss Bay has attracted another national title as McCaskie’s Butchers and Café is crowned the best butchers shop in the UK.
The popular family butcher has been gathering attention from foodies all over the country for many years, winning a host of national awards.
And now the 88-year-old business has secured the ultimate accolade.
McCaskie’s beat off fierce competition from the very best butchers throughout Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland to secure the most coveted title in the industry.
Lifting the trophy at the awards ceremony in Birmingham, delighted co-owner and Managing Director Nigel Ovens said it was the proudest moment of his life.
A finalist in the awards last year, Nigel, 46, said the popular butchers had made further improvements, and was delighted their hard work paid off.
‘I was shaking with excitement,’ said Nigel.
‘To win the Scottish Butcher’s Shop of the Year was more than I had ever dreamed of and I wasn’t even thinking about the next part.
‘I’m still in shock.
‘We were up against the most impressive butcher businesses in the land.
‘To think our shop in Wemyss Bay could beat the best of the best in the UK is just amazing. I’m so proud of our entire team.
‘People are now asking me what the secret is to McCaskie’s success is and I can only reflect on what we’ve pursued to see us judged the best in the business.
‘You need dedication and attention to detail, a high-quality product range, innovation and progression – never stand still.
‘You also need uncompromising standards in the appearance of the shop and highly trained and customer focussed staff.
‘And, of course, you need investment to keep up with modern standards and customer expectations.
‘At McCaskie’s we’ve invested well over a million pounds in recent years ensuring that we can deliver the best products in the best way in the best possible premises.’
McCaskie’s Butchers, Wemyss Bay. Picture by Graeme Hart.
In 2018 HRH Princess Anne opened McCaskie’s state-of-the-art small-batch production unit built behind the main shop, which was another highlight in the company’s history.
The multi-award-winning butcher has achieved iconic status for speciality products such as haggis, black pudding, steak pies and dry cured bacon – commendations third generation butcher Nigel is justifiably proud of.
‘These product awards show that we’re delivering what the customer wants and we’re hugely proud of them,’ said Nigel.
‘But to be judged the best butcher shop in the UK is a recognition for the entire business which includes our production, wholesale and retail elements, as well as our café.
‘Best in the business is as good as it gets.
‘My Grandfather Mearns T. McCaskie could only have dreamed of this honour when he launched the business in 1935.
‘It’s a testament to all those involved with the development of McCaskie’s ever since and we’re absolutely thrilled to bring the title to Scotland and to Wemyss Bay.’
Nigel dedicated the national award to his mother and co-owner Elizabeth.
Elizabeth at the age of 19, entered her father’s shop and has remained a stalwart of the business for the past 60 years.
‘I’m dedicating this award to my mum and dad,’ said Nigel.
‘Mum lives and breathes for McCaskie’s and this is just reward for 60 years of devotion, hard work and leadership.
‘She works tirelessly to deliver the very highest standards of products and service, inspiring the whole team in the process.’
Nigel Ovens of McCaskie’s Butchers in Wemyss Bay who has won the UK Butcher’s Shop of the Year pictured with his mother Elizabeth and wife Helen. Picture by Graeme Hart.
Read more news and reviews on Scottish Field’s food and drink pages