The equality of the sexes being what it is these days in many professions, a female butcher shouldn’t be a surprise. But it is unusual.

Bel Forbes opened her traditional butcher’s shop in the village of Edzell in 2007, having previously run a catering business. She has since earned a reputation as a supplier of the best meat in the area. As well as pies and sausages, Bel sells locally sourced wild game in season; privately bought fully matured local beef; local lambs and family-produced pork.

Specialities include home-made haggis wrapped in chicken and chicken liver pâté, and Bel has picked up awards through the Scottish Federations of Meat Traders Association for a number of products: her Mediterranean lamb steaks were voted the best lamb product in Scotland in the 2011 awards. Bel’s Butchers is also a member of the Scotch Butcher’s Club.