What Is Scotch Beef?

Are you looking for beef that’s a cut above the rest? A brand you can trust that stands for top quality? Then look no further than Scotch beef.

Shop our Scotch Beef Range

The Scots are renowned for exceptional whisky and outstanding beef. But what constitutes ‘Scotch beef’ and makes it so exceedingly good?

What Is Scotch Beef?

Scotch beef is not the same as Scottish beef. They may come from the same place, but Scotch beef has a whole set of values behind it. Only cattle raised and slaughtered according to the highest standards can bear the Scotch beef label.

Scotch Beef’s Protected Geographical Indication

What does Scotch beef have in common with beer from Munich and ham from the Ardenne? They all bear the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) designation from the EU. Scotch beef has proudly borne the designation since 1996.

This PGI scheme promotes foods that are more than just traditional; they are renowned for excellent quality. Cattle with the PGI mark have spent all their lives in bonnie Scotland, on selected Scottish farms that practise the highest standards of welfare and production. This is regulated by the Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme.

Understanding the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme for Scotch Prime Beef

To fully understand what is classed as Scotch beef you need to know about the QMS Cattle & Sheep Assurance Scheme.

QMS set guidelines on a wide range of matters. These include:

• Rearing of calves
• Approving feeds
• Livestock accommodation
• Transporting livestock
• Traceability
• Even the meat market must bear the ‘Scotch Assured Auction Market’ designation to be able to trade in Scotch beef.

Even the meat market must bear the ‘Scotch Assured Auction Market’ designation to trade in Scotch beef.

These rigorous standards at every stage result in whole-chain assurance. This allows retailers, chefs, and consumers to know exactly what they’re getting. High-quality, traceable Scotch beef raised to the highest of standards.

Highest Standards of Cattle Welfare

To ensure the highest welfare standards, QMS inspects farms, accompanied by representatives from the SSPCA.

Animal welfare includes measures that ensure Scotch prime beef cattle have an enjoyable life, farms must not hold them in large groups that could cause unnecessary stress.

Scotch beef cattle spend their days grazing on lush green grass, and their indoor accommodation must meet the highest hygiene standards. When they are sent for slaughter, they must be in excellent health. All of this is beneficial for both the animals and the consumer. The animal has an enjoyable and healthy life and you’ll taste the difference on the plate.

Sustainable Scotch Beef Farming

QMS ensures that the Scottish red meat industry continues to be sustainable. Cattle contribute to the biodiversity of their habitat as they graze, with most farmers keeping sheep and cattle, with this mix benefiting the soil.

Currently, more than 50,000 people work in the Scotch beef industry. Farming is in the blood of rural communities, with families passing skills down through generations. Raising cattle is a fine Scottish tradition that continues to be central to the culture of these remote areas.

Only Prime Cattle Is Classed As Scotch Beef

Not all cattle raised in Scotland bear the Scotch beef logo. In fact, only those that meet strict age criteria can do so.

The animal must be:

• Over 12 months old
• Under 48 months if it’s a heifer or a steer
• Heifers must not have had a calf
• A young bull must be under 16 months old

The result for the customer? You only get prime quality beef. No ifs, no buts.

Complete Traceability

The quality standards in place for Scotch beef mean there is complete traceability. Farmers, meat markets and abattoirs are all able to determine the origin of cattle. This means no cattle can be labelled Scotch beef that doesn’t meet these high standards.

Why It Matters to You

As we all know, there’s beef, and there’s Scotch beef.

Sometimes the amount of choices can be overwhelming. Options these days include grass-fed, organic, Wagyu… the list goes on. The Scotch beef logo simplifies matters for you.

It gives you a trusted brand to look out for. Now that you know the rigorous standards, you can rest assured that you’re getting a top-quality, traceable British product. You have no concerns that the cattle were born and raised elsewhere, beef that bears the Scotch beef logo has spent every minute of its life in Scotland.

Do you live in other parts of the UK? You can rest assured that when you order Scotch beef online – whether it’s beef steak or any other cuts – it’s the first time it has left Scotland.

Most importantly, you’ll taste the difference. Scotch beef cattle graze on lush grass and native herbs, giving a unique depth of flavour to the final product. You’ll also notice that Scotch beef cuts are well-marbled, meaning they sear supremely well and melt like butter in the mouth.

Order Scotch Beef from Campbells Meat

What is Scotch beef? It’s sustainable and ethical, but above all, delicious meat!

Whether you prefer short ribs or mouthwatering roasts, Scotch beef will not disappoint. There are many types of meat out there, but don’t take a chance. Choose Scotch beef, knowing you’re getting the very best.

At Campbells Meat, we pride ourselves on our tender Scotch beef cuts. We supply Michelin-starred restaurants and are proud to provide the most discerning home kitchens across the country.

Why not explore our steak selection today?