Tributes to well-known Fife baker Sandy Milne

Tributes have been paid to Fife baker Sandy Milne, one of the best-known figures in Scottish baking.

Sandy, a family member of Fife bakery Fisher & Donaldson, passed away suddenly but peacefully at Ninewells Hospital on Friday.

Alongside his brother Eric, he led the award-winning business, which has bakeries across Fife and Tayside, to great success over nearly five decades.

He crowned a 45-year career with the company’s appointment of a Royal Warrant in 2011 and an entry into the Guinness World Records in 2019 for the largest ever doughnut wall.

Sandy’s passion for, and dedication to, baking was displayed by his perfection of the firm’s most famous product, the fudge doughnut, and he was also revered for his hard-earned reputation as the fastest oatcake pinner around.

Born in Craigtoun Hospital, Sandy was a lifelong St Andrews resident, respected among the local business community and a well-known face in the town.

He served as chairman of St Andrews Merchant Association and forged longlasting relationships with many of the town’s businesspeople.

After a highly respected career, Sandy retired at the end of 2019 to focus on family life and to do more travelling.

A family member said Sandy’s “blue shirt and chinos” style was as instantlyrecognisable as his hearty laugh and warm manner.

“Sandy greatly enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially over a glass of wine, and would try his best to convey this with the occasional heartfelt speech,” they added.

Described as a caring husband, father, brother and grandpa, he is survived by his wife Jane, children Jamie, Katie and Stuart and four grandchildren

His passing comes just a week after that of his father Grant, who died in a Cupar nursing home.

The Milne family have thanked the public for the wealth of condolences.

A small, private family memorial service is planned for later this week.

Well-known and respected businessman Sandy Milne.