Maclean's and Ashers bakeries named Scotch Pie winners

A FORRES baker has been named as the year's second best pie maker in Scotland.

2003 winner, Maclean's Highland Bakery was runner-up in the overall 'World Champion' section of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards 2020, narrowly losing out to James Pirie & Son of Blairgowrie, but picking up prizes in other sections alongside Ashers Bakery at a prestigious ceremony in the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld.

Over 75 professional pie makers entered over 450 of their best products into Scotch Pie, Football Pies and Savouries, Macaroni Pie, Steak Pie, Sausage Roll, Cold Savoury, Hot Savoury, Vegetarian Savoury, Haggis Savoury, Bridie and Apple Pie categories.

Maclean's managing director Lewis Maclean confirmed his business won: a bronze award for its Scotch pie in the Football Pie section (Maclean's supply Forres Thistle FC); a gold in the Macaroni Pie section; and a silver in the Haggis savoury section for its chicken and haggis pie.

He said: "On the way down we thought if we got three awards we would be delighted. So to get four - we came up the road over the moon! The products we entered have consistently come out winners over the years. Savoury supervisor Michael Baranski and his team share a passion for making them, with great attention to detail from start to finish. Michael does all our butchery and selects only the best cuts of meat."

Mr Maclean admitted to being nervous ahead of the ceremony, despite his confidence in the quality of Maclean's products.

He said: "It was an emotional rollercoaster as I worried we might not win anything! It was a bit frustrating to be so close to the big one but it just makes our team more determined. We are already planning next year’s competition."

Ashers of Nairn won: silver in the Football Pie section (Ashers supply Nairn County FC); gold in the Haggis Savoury section for their chicken and haggis pie; and silver in the hot savoury section for their pork and black pudding sausage roll.

BAKO North Western Group sponsored the awards which were presented by television presenter, actress and former model, Carol Smillie.

Chief executive of the event, Alasdair Smith, said: "The Scotch Pie Awards is the only competition of its kind recognising excellence in the preparation of a perfect pie. The competition is now a regular fixture on the calendar as professional butchers and bakers across the country vie for pie perfection and the boost to their business that always comes with such a sought-after title."

BAKO managing director Paul Long added: "The freshly produced pies and savouries that were judged back in November clearly demonstrates the effort and passion that goes in to making these products. We would like to congratulate all the category winners and entrants, your dedication and determination has served you well, we wish you every continued success."

Murdoch Brothers Butchers were the last 'World Champions' from Forres in 2010.

* Click here to read more news.