Welcome to new Scottish Food Guide member Going Native Heritage Meats. More info to follow soon (October 25).

Mary Howlett is a heritage meat specialist, seeking out the best from small and micro producers, smallholders and farmers who care about the breed and the feed.

Based in a 100 year old butcher’s shop in the Borders town of Hawick, Mary focusses on the native breeds, bred over generations naturally, on the Border hills.

Native breeds are sustainable, free ranging and flavoursome. They are not ‘developed’ for modern farming systems and are from traditional family farms. Raised predominantly all year on pasture and not relying on inputs – nature knows best. Slow-growing breeds develop flavour and marbling and you know the meat first led a good high welfare life.

Mary is also a regular at the ever-popular Kelso Market.