Apprentice Butcher Robert Fair is making excellent progress as he follows in a family tradition spanning several generations.
The 17-year-old, who works at Manx Local Butchers (MLB) in Pulrose, began his training last summer and was the first Government sponsored apprentice butcher in a decade. Robert says he’s enjoying working at the shop in Alder Road, and learning from shop manager and Master Butcher Dylan Williamson who has more than 20 years’ experience in the trade. The apprentice is enjoying on the job training and is learning how to identify the individual cuts from each animal and skilfully prepare meat for sale and display — essential practical skills every butcher needs in a busy local business. An added bonus for Robert is that he gets to take home and cook some of the delicious joints, steaks and sausages he makes! His favorites include Manx rib-eye steaks, and MLB’s tasty Scottish Square Sausage (made with Manx meat and imported herbs and spices from Scotland) which are part of the shop’s massively popular ‘Manx Tartan’ range.
Robert says that he is already able to make burgers, square sausage and mince - and dice meat for stewing. He's also learning how to de-bone carcasses. But, he adds, the most important skill he’s learning is serving customers.
Following in the footsteps of his father Andrew who was a butcher for many years, and with an uncle and grandfather who were also in the trade, Robert is ensuring that their traditional skills will be kept alive for generations to come.
The shop is also offering Island-wide delivery during lockdown - head to the Manx Local Butchers Facebook page for more information
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