Finalists line up for Scotch steak title

Sirloins from 55 carcases, selected from a total entry of 146, were judged by an expert panel at McIntosh Donald’s meat plant at Portlethen, Aberdeen. The 12 steaks will now be matured and assessed on eating quality at a cook-off on the Tesco stand at the Royal Highland Show on Friday, June 25.

The final 12 - six steers and six heifers - comprises six Limousin cross, five Charolais cross and one Simmental cross. Nine were classified U for conformation and three were graded R.

“Judging was very difficult as the sirloins were like peas in a pod, with excellent quality and marbling. I am confident all 12 sirloins selected will eat superbly,” says Scottish Government livestock inspector, Bob McEwan, who headed the judging panel along with Mike Stoddart, executive chef at Aberdeen’s Marcliffe at Pitfodels Hotel and Spa, and McIntosh Donald production manager, Graham Moir.

Steaks from the sirloins will be cooked at the show and sampled by a tasting panel to decide the winner.

Members of the panel will include Tesco meat director, Stan Burns, Tesco senior meat buyer, John Driscoll and NFU Scotland president, Jim McLaren.

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