A Dumfries butcher who linked up with the family business just two months ago has scooped a national prize for pork sausages.
Daniel West took over Mogerleys in Friar’s Vennel from his uncle Gordon Little earlier this year and decided to use his grandfather’s 30-year-old recipe in a bid to be the best in the business.
And the family’s banger has done just that by securing the ultimate diamond award in the biennial Scottish Pork Sausage Championship.
Daniel said he was “over the moon” when he collected his trophy at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth at the weekend.
The 30-year-old said: “I didn’t expect to hear my name called out. I was absolutely shocked – but I’m ecstatic now that it’s sinking in.
“To produce the best pork sausage in Scotland is unbelievable. We turn over hundreds every week and it’s a top seller with our customers.
“Word is already out that it’s a Scottish champion, however, with new orders coming in from all over.”
Multi-talented Daniel is a time-served plasterer, as well as having qualified to look after vulnerable children in the care system.
But it was his dream to take over the family business and return to his butcher roots ever since he was a little boy.
He said: “I used to work with my uncle and when he told me he was selling up he gave me first refusal.
“It’s a dream come true to take over the business and keep it in the family. And to win a Scottish championship for something as iconic as the pork sausage is just the icing on the cake.”
Mogerleys has also been named South of Scotland regional winner for their traditional haggis and secured four gold and silver awards for other Make It With Haggis products.
SCB executive manager Gordon King said Mogerleys championship-winning sausage came up against stiff competition in a field of around 70 entries from all over Scotland.
