East Perthshire businesses on shortlist

Two of east Perthshire’s top butchers are vying for the chance to be named the best pie-makers in the country.

The shortlist for the 19th world championship scotch pie awards was announced last week, and saw HW Irvine’s in Blairgowrie and James Pirie and Son from Newtyle each secure a coveted spot in the final.

A group of 50 professional judges assessed over 450 different scotch pies from 80 different bakers and butchers all over Scotland in Dunfermline last week to decide who should make it through to the scotch pie finals.

The baked goods were all marked by the judges on their appearance, quality, consistency and taste, meaning only the very best made it through to the finals.

Craig McPhie, president of Scottish Bakers, said:“The world championship scotch pie awards is the only competition of its kind recognising excellence in the preparation of a perfect pie.

“The competition is now a regular fixture on the calendar as butchers and bakers throughout the land vie for pie supremacy and the boost of their business that always comes with such a sought after title.”

The competition, which is now in its 19th year, aims to highlight the high quality of pastry products on offer across Scotland, and to raise the bar of excellence in the country’s baking industry.

The winners will be announced at a special lunch on Tuesday, January 9, in Cumbernauld.