Five north-east firms have made it onto the upper crust shortlist for the 16th World Scotch Pie Championships.
Through to the final round of the prestigious competition with no mincing around are Chalmers Bakery in Bucksburn, the Hame Bakery in Peterhead, Bert Fowlie in Strichen, Bruce of the Broch in Fraserburgh, and J G Ross Bakers in Inverurie.
The shortlist was reached by a panel of industry expert judges who were assisted yesterday by Bay City Roller Les McKeown.
Head judge Robert Ross said: “Scotland is lucky to be home to some of the world’s most experienced and talented bakers and butchers.
“The World Scotch Pie Championship provides an opportunity for Scotland’s finest to showcase their skills.
“The competition, now in its sixteenth year, aims specifically to highlight those entrants that create world-class artisan products.”
The competition allows bakers and butchers across Scotland to be recognised for the high quality of their savoury products. Awards are given to the best in different categories, including sausage rolls, bridies, speciality savouries, Scottish football pies, savouries and apple pies.
The event is run by the Scottish Bakers and the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders, and this year it beat its own record of attracting more than 100 professionals entering the highest ever number of products with around 600 items being professionally judged.
Alan Clarke, of Scottish Bakers, said: “This year has seen a particularly high standard of entries and the judges had a challenge in front of them.
“This competition was designed to both reward excellence and raise the bar for standards in the industry – and year on year we continue to be impressed by the increased level of creativity and talent.”
Also on the 2014 shortlist are Nicolls Rosebank Bakery, Scott Brothers and Goodfellows, all Dundee; Grainstatus Ltd T/A JM Bakery, Carnoustie; and Keptie Bakery, Letham, Angus.
Last year the award for best pie was won by the Kandy Bar of Saltcoats in Ayrshire.