Glenrothes and Central Fife MP Peter Grant celebrated Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight with a visit to award winning local bakery Stuart’s of Buckhaven .
The prominent local chain established in 1857 is the only founding member of the Scottish Association of Master Bakers that remains a family firm.
The association celebrated its 125th anniversary this year and marked the firm’s long and valued commitment to the organisation by electing former chairman Alan Stuart as an honorary member.
It also placed the bakery amongst the top three finalists for its Retail Craft Baker of the Year award.
Mr Grant was shown round the bakery by managing director Keith Stuart, and saw a machine which can produce 350 pie shells an hour.
Mr Grant commented: “Everyone in Fife loves a Stuart’s pie, and it’s been fascinating to meet Keith during Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight and see what goes on behind the scenes at the bakery.
“Family firms like Stuart’s contribute to the local economy as well as showcasing Scottish produce – Keith’s dad Alan set up the World Scotch Pie Championships in 1999, which Stuart’s themselves won in 2007.”
Mr Grant said these competitions drive up standards in the industry and raise the profile of the produce made in Scotland on an international stage.
He added: “We have some great producers in Fife.”
Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight ends this weekend.
