Butcher steaks claim at Scottish pie awards

A Blairgowrie butcher’s pies have been deemed worthy of national recognition at the recent Scottish Craft Butchers Awards.

Kenneth Allan Butchers won the gold award for their chicken and ham pie and the silver award for their steak and ale pie.

The heats were held at Forth Valley College last month when more than 250 pies from throughout the country were tested for appearance, flavour, filling and appeal.

The panel of judges included experts, food writers and interested consumers and the event was organised by the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders in conjunction with Lucas Ingredients and William Sword Ltd.

Judith Johnston of Lucas Ingredients, sponsors of the Steak Pie Evaluation, said: “We know the importance of developing tastes that appeal to the modern consumer and events that constantly drive up standards are crucial to this aim.

“These awards offer a fantastic opportunity to see the energy, enthusiasm and skill our butchers have. Their commitment to producing top quality meat products points to a bright future for the industry.”

David Mooney, direct sales manager of William Sword, said: “These awards are extremely important in the Scottish meat industry calendar, celebrating excellence across the board.

“To receive an award is a fantastic achievement as these winners represent the upper crust of the Scottish meat industry, which is tremendous given the high standard of produce across Scotland as a whole.”