A Tayside butcher has been crowned World Champion of the Scotch Pie Awards 2020.
James Pirie and Son, of Newtyle, was announced as the winner of the coveted title at an awards ceremony in Cumbernauld, hosted by Carol Smillie.
Around 20 other food businesses from Dundee, Angus, Fife, Perth and Perthshire also scooped awards across a variety of categories.
James Pirie and Son came out on top for a second time after winning the competition two years ago.
Alan Pirie, of butcher James Pirie and Son said: “Well, I was not expecting that – we won, again.
“I am speechless. To have once again been given the ultimate accolade in our profession is just excellent.
“I am so proud of what we make from scratch every day and it so often goes without recognition.
“Today is proof that all our hard work is worth it. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and to selling more of our champion pies than ever.”
More than 75 professional pie makers lined up to deliver their perfect products into the hands of the judges in November.
Entries were judged in 11 categories with top prizes on offer for the best in category with offerings from Football Pies and Savouries, Macaroni Pies, Steak Pies, Sausage Rolls, Cold Savouries, Hot Savouries, Vegetarian Savouries, Haggis Savouries, Bridies and Apple Pies.
TV presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie, who presented James Pirie and Son with the award, said: “The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards really is one of the highlights of my year.
“I have been hosting since 2016 and I have seen many well-deserved winners in all the categories take to the stage, but to see Alan up here again is wonderful.
“I know what it means to win, so every winner here today should be proud of their success and I hope they all see their businesses grow and prosper in the year to come.”
The full list of Courier Country winners were as follows: Scotch Pie, Gold – Goodfellow and Steven from Dundee; Silver – Scott Brothers from Dundee, Sugar and Spice from Auchterarder, W F Stark from Buckhaven. Football Pie or Savoury: Gold – D.G. Lindsay and Son from Perth (Scone Thistle F.C.); Scott Brothers from Dundee – (Dundee F.C.). Apple Pie: Bronze – Keptie Bakery Ltd from Letham; Murrays Bakers from Perth. Bridie: Silver – Sugar and Spice from Auchterarder. Cold savoury: Bronze – Murray’s Bakers from Perth. Steak Pie: Gold – Stuart’s Bakers and Butchers from Methil. Sausage roll: Diamond – Tom Courts Quality Foods from Burntisland; Silver – Goodfellow and Steven from Dundee; Stuart’s Bakers and Butchers from Methil; Bronze – Keptie Bakery Ltd from Letham; Sugar and Spice from Auchterarder. Macaroni Pie: Silver – Murray’s Bakers from Perth; Bronze – D.G. Lindsay and Son from Perth. Haggis Savoury: Silver – Fisher and Donaldson from Cupar; Bronze – James Pirie and Son from Newtyle, Blairgowrie.
