Enjoy a tasty pie this weekend with our pick of the best places outwith the high street

THE simple pie is a food that’s made great by its diversity. Whether you’re picnic planning, dinner party hosting or simply in search of a substantial snack, there’s no time that a crisp pastry case packed with your favourite savoury filling is a bad idea.

To help you discover new favourites, we’ve put together a list of 10 places beyond the high street bakeries and butchers to find great pies in Scotland.

PAISLEY PIE COMPANY Bridge Street, Paisley

The Paisley Pie Company last week announced plans for expansion with a new unit on the town’s Casueyside Street. The news was met with a huge reaction from fans of their bakes who hope a larger retail space will mean a better chance of getting their hands on a mini chicken tikka pastry bite or classic steak and sausage pie topped with buttery mashed potato before stocks sell out. Owner Scott McGinlay told the Herald: “Our success so far has been overwhelming.

“Everywhere I go, people ask: ‘Are you the Paisley pie guy?’.” facebook.com/paisley-pie-co

LOCHINVER LARDER Main Street, Lochinver

These Desperate Dan-looking pastries are large enough to feed two, although that fully depends on your appetite and sense of determination.

If you fancy a hearty venison and cranberry, veggie-friendly mushroom and chestnut or a sweet apple treat to finish, they have you covered.

During the summer months, pay a visit to the Larder’s popular ‘Pie Shack’ which gives diners the chance to take their fresh food and drinks “down to the grassy banks of the river, or sit by the small beach at the sea loch”. www.lochinverlarder.com

Sarah Campbell selects her 10 places to pick up a great pie

THE LITTLE BAKERY Dumfries

This family-run business was established by father and son team Kerr and Nick Little over a decade ago with ‘just a handful’ of pie flavours to choose from. These days, you’ll find them at farmers’ markets and foodie events across Scotland with over 20 variations of bakes like salt & chilli chicken or their award-winning Scotch pie with a moreish shortcrust. www.littlebakerydumfries.com

JARVIS PICKLE Acredale, Eyemouth

With each pie handcrafted with singlesource flour grown and milled just 30 miles from their bakery, it’s no wonder the team at Jarvis Pickle has amassed such an impressive collection of award wins. If you fancy trying them out for yourself, take a look at their ‘Pie by Post’ service which allows you to build your own box by choosing from a variety of flavours like Cullen Skink or Moroccan lamb to be delivered straight to your door. www.jarvispickle.com

PIEMAKER

South Bridge, Edinburgh

If planning a city centre picnic in Scotland’s capital, be sure to stop by the

Piemaker for a selection of “original, wholesome savoury meat, sweet, vegetarian and vegan pies and pasties” which are freshly baked each day.

Although deviating slightly from our theme of the week, we’d also recommend picking up a ‘tattie dog’ made with frankfurter sausage wrapped in crispy potato to complement your choice of pastry. www.thepiemaker.co.uk

SKYE PIE Culnacnoc, Portree

Located between Portree and Staffin on the Isle of Skye, Glenview is a bed and breakfast that is also the home of Skye Pie. The veggie menu is ever-changing, with the latest instalment featuring the likes of meat-free haggis with kale,

neeps and rosemary gravy or spiced cheesy bean stew with a nacho crust available to sit in or take away. Glenviewskye.co.uk/pie-posts

THE WEECOOK KITCHEN

Carnoustie, Angus

While this Carnoustie restaurant’s full menu of pulled pork and apple stuffing, beef steak bourguignon or cauliflower bhuna curry flavours is well worth exploring, it’s their signature Fishwife pie that has been making waves on a national scale.

From winning the title of Britain’s Best Fish Pie for the third year running to a star feature on Aldi’s Next Big Thing, people can’t get enough of this Arbroath Smokie-based bake.

You can read more about the inspiration for its recipe in the full interview with owner and chef Hayley Wilkes on the Herald website now. www.weecookkitchen.com

WOODMILL GAME Woodmill, Lindores

All of the game used for these pies, sold at markets, shows and online, is 100% wild and sourced through a family-owned business.

A venison and red wine gravy bake is said to be the “ultimate crowd pleaser”, although the partridge and tarragon or mixed game varieties are just as popular thanks to their premium ingredients and rich sauces. woodmillgame.co.uk

THE NEWPORT BAKERY Various locations

You might recognise this bakery from our recent round-up of the best places to find a sourdough loaf in Scotland.

With locations in Newport, St Andrews, Dundee and Arbroath, chef Jamie Scott and his team have earned a spot yet again for their range of savoury pies which are “freshly made and filled to the brim”.

It’s hard to look past a traditional steak and gravy, but with an everchanging menu there’s sure to be something to suit every taste.

www.thenewportbakery.com

WOOLEY’S OF ARRAN

Brodick, Arran

It’s perhaps one of the most ‘old school’ of our recommendations this week, but just sometimes simple is best. Especially when the location is as stunning as the Isle of Arran.

Take your pick of savoury pastries, add something sweet for good measure and head to Brodick Beach and you’ll see what we mean. www.wooleys.co.uk