Butchers | H M Sheridan
When Michael Sheridan started out in the butchery business on his own he only had a van. But, most importantly, he also had high standards which he was determined never to compromise. Now, 40 years later, his well-known shop in Ballater employs a dozen staff, and a selection of ‘By Royal Appointment’ signs proudly hanging outside are testament to the hard work and the success of the business.
The name is known far beyond the Deeside town not just because the meats are enjoyed at Balmoral Castle, but because the business of HM Sheridan wins awards for its products: Gold, Silver and Bronzes from the Guild of Q Butchers (always a sign worth looking out for); and similar ratings from the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders ‘Make it with Meat’ Awards. They’ve also been rated ‘Top Shop in Scotland’.
As for the royal connections, HM Sheridan got its first Royal Warrant, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother's Warrant, in 1981. Then, in 1987, both Her Majesty The Queen's Royal Warrant and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Duke of Rothesay’s Royal Warrant were granted.
Visit the shop and you’ll certainly be impressed both by the range and the presentation. It’s very much part of Michael Sheridan’s philosophy that as many lines as possible are prepared on the premises – it’s all part of the emphasis on quality. There is still has an emphasis on the traditional Scottish butcher’s range of cuts, so that ‘gigot’ and ‘skink’ are just two of the labels which may not be familiar to everyone – not that it matters, as the friendly staff will explain everything!
Another important key word is ‘local’ – it describes the beef and the lamb, for example, usually sourced from local farms. The lamb is local black-faced, noted for flavour. Michael Sheridan is a great believer in hanging beef for just the right length of time to ensure the best taste. Similarly he insists on outdoor-reared pork. Naturally, as a traditional butcher, the typically Scottish white and black puddings, as well as haggis are also made in the shop.
The shop also deals in game, again, from the varied fields and moors and also presents a range of non-meat products including chutneys, honey and oatcakes.
Michael Sheridan is proud of the way his shop has served the Deeside community over the years. Combining expertise and friendliness, basically, it’s everything a proper butcher’s shop ought to be!