It was back to business as usual this weekend for staff at a high-frying Moray chipper, who had journeyed to a swanky awards bash in London during the week.
The Fochabers Fish Bar was one of only two Scottish chip shops to be nominated for prizes in the National Fish and Chip Awards, and finished as joint runner-up in the quality category.
The eatery was among 60 businesses originally short-listed by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF) for the title, and made it to the final three after industry experts anonymously visited each to sample what their offerings and inspect their premises.
Darren Boothroyd took over the Fochabers business less than three years ago, following a 22-year career as an aircraft engineer at RAF Lossiemouth.
And despite missing out on the top award, he has described his “immense pride” in the staff that helped the venue reach the final.
Mr Boothroyd said: “We’re just thrilled to have been recognised the way we were, and we were the only chip shop in Scotland in our category.
“The place that won the quality award has been going for 30 years, so there is no shame in losing to them, and we had a great time at the ceremony.”
The experience has spurred Mr Boothroyd, a second-generation fish fryer who is originally from Huddersfield in Yorkshire, to further improve his Fochabers shop.
He added: “I’m really passionate about the business and it is in my blood, obviously something rubbed off all those years ago when I was helping my dad peel potatoes.”
The quality award is designed to recognise chip shops that provide tasty suppers from a clean and well-presented premises, and also takes into account staff skill.