A renowned butcher from the north has scooped top awards at the 2015 Haggisfest.
Nigel Ovens, of Mearns T McCaskie butchers in Wemysss Bay, won the Golden Haggis Award and the People’s Choice Award during the celebration of Scotland’s national dish at Oban Distillery yesterday.
This year’s competition – which is part of the town’s winter festival programme – attracted nine competitors from across Scotland, whereas last year’s event was confined to local butchers.
Mr Ovens, who runs his butcher shop with wife, Helen, was crowned ‘Scottish Haggis Champion’ in May after beating more than 100 other competitors to the title.
Last night, the 38-year-old said he was “absolutely delighted” to add another two trophies to his shop counter.
The haggis he offers contains lamb’s offal and fat, Scottish oatmeal, and a secret blend of pepper, salt and various spices.
He added: “The judges look at the colour and smell of the uncooked haggis, then when it is cooked they look at how the flavour carries and how the spices work.
“The balance of offal and spice is important, and judges will look at how moist it is and whether or not it is too stodgy.
“Although nine entries does not sound like a lot, it is important to say that this competition had a lot of quality. A lot of these butchers have won awards for their haggis.
“The pressure was on because we did think that winning the Scottish championships may have been a fluke. I am just delighted to show my customers that we are still making the best products.”
Mrs Ovens added: “We are very pleased indeed.
“This is a triple whammy for us after winning the Scottish championships in May.”
Mr Ovens has been making haggis for 20 years and is the third generation of the family butchers, which has been running since 1935.
At the popular competition yesterday, members of the public were able to sample haggis made by all the competitors throughout the day.
The haggis festival was held on the last day of Oban’s 10-day winter festival, which closed with a Kelpie lantern parade, light show and fireworks display.