Princess Anne makes surprise visit to Stirling butcher shop for first-hand look at family business

Princess Anne made a visit to Stirling butcher shop Hugh Black & Sons as she got a first-hand look at how the family-run business' quality, traceability, and sustainable, local sourcing practices.

Princess Anne made a surprise visit to a Stirling city centre butcher shop this week as she got a first-hand look at the family-run firm’s dedication to quality and sustainability.

The Princess Royal made her appearance at the Hugh Black & Sons store, in the city’s Port Street, on Tuesday afternoon.

She was spotted getting out of a large grey-coloured Range Rover outside the shop as a crowd gathered there.

Flanked by security guards, the Princess was greeted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, Alan Simpson, and shared a moment with Stirling Council Provost Elaine Watterson and council chief executive Caroline Sinclair before disappearing into the shop.

As patron of the Scotch Chef’s Club, run by QMS, Princess Anne toured the Stirling premises to gain first-hand insight into Hugh Black & Sons’ dedication to quality, traceability, and sustainable, local sourcing practices.

The Princess’ visit highlighted Hugh Black & Sons’ commitment to Scottish farming, its links to local auction markets, and the success of its expansion, including the acquisition of Castlehill Farm in 2017, which supplies Scotch Lamb directly to its customers.

The visit also provided an opportunity to explore the company’s transition from a family farm to one of Scotland’s largest independent butchers. In 2023, Hugh Black & Sons received the prestigious Best for Scottish Sourcing award at the Scotland Food and Drink Awards.

Hugh Black, director of Hugh Black & Sons Ltd, said: “It was an honour to have Her Royal Highness visit our Stirling shop.

“I feel incredibly proud that we were able to tell our story to the Princess Royal, and it will go down as a very memorable day in the history of our business.”

During the visit, the Princes unveiled a commemorative plaque and received a small hamper of products in appreciation of her trip. She also took time to sign the visitor book, marking the historic occasion for Hugh Black & Sons and the Stirling community.

The event was also attended by key members of the Hugh Black & Sons team, including Hugh Black himself; Laura Black, business development manager; Cameron Black, general manager; John Harvey and Agnes Lindsay, area managers; Ivon Pinkerton, head butcher for the Stirling branch; and Kate Rowell, chair of Quality Meat Scotland.

Kate Rowell commented: “With an unparalleled reputation for high quality products, stemming from robust supply chains and passion for their craft, Hugh Black & Sons exist as a pillar of the Scottish red meat industry.”

It remains unclear whether the Princess sampled any of the tasty treats during her visit.

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