The owner of a fish and chip shop has said he is “on cloud nine” after being crowned best chippie in Scotland.
Darren Boothroyd owns Fochabers Fish Bar in Fochabers, Moray, which has been named best fish and chip shop in Scotland in the 2017 National Fish & Chip Awards.
Now Darren and the team are competing to win the ultimate title of Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.
They will have to compete against the nine other regional winners from across the UK as they vie for the title.
Darren, 51, said: “We’re completely over the moon to have made it to the top 10.
“It’s a real testament to all the hard work we’ve put into the business – all the staff are ecstatic.
“I grew up in a fish and chip shop but only decided to follow a career in the industry three years ago when I became the owner of Fochabers Fish Bar.
“I spent 12 months learning how to fry and my main aim was to produce fantastic fish and chips, as well as turning my staff into a highly trained and motivated team.
“To achieve this award in such a short time means more to me than I can say, to think where I was three years ago to where I am now is incredible.
“My staff are on cloud nine, much like myself.”
To secure the top spot, the chippie had to impress industry experts across a range of criteria.
This included menu development and innovation, sustainable sourcing policies, staff training processes, and marketing and promotional activities.
The chippie also had mystery shoppers visit to find out what customer service was like, the quality of the fish and chips and cleanliness of the shop.
After being crowned the top chippie in Scotland, Fochabers now faces stiff competition from chip shops from nine other regions.
The finalists will have to present in front of a judging panel – and be quizzed on industry related topics.
The top ten will also have to demonstrate how they successfully run a profitable business and plan for future development.
The final will be held on 25 January 2016, and the overall national winner will be announced the next day at an awards ceremony.
Handing over the crown will be current champions, Simpsons Fish & Chips in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, winners of the 2016 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award.
Before the finalists head down to London for the grand finale, representatives from each shop will be treated to an all-expenses paid study trip to Norway.
Last month, Darren’s daughter, Elise, who works at the Fish Bar, was shortlisted in the Federation of Fish Friers young friers of the year category at the National Fish and Chip Awards – which describes itself as the Oscars of the fish frying industry.
The 16-year-old has been named in the top five of the national competition to find the best pair of hands behind the counter.
And she is now in the running to claim the crown of serving up the best fish supper in the UK.
Elise started washing pots at the Fish Bar two years ago before moving on to serving customers and preparing the meals.
And the teenager, who left school in the summer, is already eyeing up a career in the fish and chip industry and has intentions of taking over her father’s bar in the future.
She said: “I was so overwhelmed. I wasn’t expecting it at all. Everyone else in the competition was so talented.
“There’s a lot more to it than people think. As well as the preparation of the food you’ve also got to show you’re good at the business side.
“I really love it. I enjoy it when the customers come in and being able to give them a good fish supper.”
Darren added: “When the phone call came I could physically see my heart beating out of my chest.
“I think I was more nervous about it than she was. I’m really proud though.
“She’s by far the youngest person in the final so it really is a fantastic achievement.
“I know I have a background in it but she’s got up and did it all herself.”
The winner will also be announced in January.
