Second time James Mitchell, 28, has been called up to the squad, having competed in the global event in Paris in 2024.
James is one of six Scottish butchers included in the line-up who will all be vying for a place in the final team selection
Airdrie butcher James Mitchell has been named in the squad to represent Great Britain at the World Butchers’ Challenge (WBC) in Australia in 2028.
Viewed as the Olympics for butchers, the event pits the finest talents from around the world in a series of high-level challenges designed to test the skills, innovation and experience of the best in the business.
This is the second time James, 28, has been called up to the squad, having competed in the global event in Paris in 2024 when Team GB-UK Lions came seventh.
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And he’s thrilled to be given a chance to improve that placing in the world’s biggest butchery arena event.
James, who opened his own business – J P Mitchell Butchers – last year, knows hard work lies ahead as the 24-strong UK Lions squad prepares to meet for the first time next week.
He is one of six Scottish butchers included in the line-up who will all be vying for a place in the final team selection.
James said: “It’s really overwhelming to be included in the squad again, and I’ll be training hard to secure my place in the final team heading to Australia.
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“This is the ultimate team competition and it’s a privilege to work alongside some of the country’s finest butchers and then witness the world’s leading talents produce their A-game at what is an amazing event.
“In Paris the crowds went crazy – it was a similar atmosphere to a football international.
“Butchery has become a global phenomenon – it’s a major Instagram hit – and it seems the more the public sees, the more the public wants.”
James is no stranger to the competitive stage, with good showings at the Scottish Butcher Wars and Scottish Craft Butchers and Craft Skills Scotland successes under his belt.
Having abandoned his university degrees in engineering and product design, James now channels his creativity and manual skills into his butchery with the aim of opening a farm shop and butchery at the family’s farm near Airdrie in the future.
James believes his experience with Team GB-UK Lions in Paris will help in the build-up to the 2028 event.
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He added: “We learned a lot and know what we have to improve and refine to be among the medals in Brisbane.
“We have two years to perfect our performances and everyone will be pulling their weight to get it right.
“Hopefully I’ll earn my place on the final team selection.”
Gordon King, executive manager of Scottish Craft Butchers and vice-chair of the Team GB board, said the squad had been selected for their exceptional skills, consistency and drive.
He explained: “These butchers are all extremely talented craftsmen and women and a credit to their profession.
“I’m extremely pleased to see six butchers from north of the border in the squad selection and hopefully they can make it to the final team and do Scotland and GB proud.
“Two years ago, at the WBC in Paris, we witnessed crowds going absolutely crazy watching butchers from around the world battle it out against the clock and each other.
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“In Australia, butchery is almost a religion and we’re sure to see massive audiences at each stage of the international battles.
“Butchery competitions are met with the same enthusiasm as football matches or concerts and the crowds really inspire the competitors to put on their most dazzling performances.
“It’s terrific that Team GB will be in amongst all the excitement and that James and his fellow Scottish butchers will get a flavour of what lies ahead as they stage training events and live public demonstrations and events in the months ahead.”
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