Maclean's Highland Bakery, Forres shortlisted for The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards
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A LOCAL baker has qualified for The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.
Maclean's Highland Bakery won the main title in 2003 and is in the running again, as well as in sub categories for other products.
Managing director Lewis Maclean is looking forward to the winners being announced by TV star by Carole Smilie during a ceremony at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld on January 18.
He said: "We're really pleased to have got through to the finals again. We've entered five products this year including our new beef fajita pie.
"I was really pleased with what our team produced for the judging. If we can get two awards we'll be so pleased as we're up against some fantastic butchers and bakers."
Maclean's qualified following the judging last month when over 70 butchers and bakers delivered more than 400 of the nation’s best pies for judging by over 50 experts. Under the watchful eye of head judge Ian Nelson, each entry was assessed for its appearance, consistency and taste.
The judges selected a series of ‘best in category’ pies including the 2022 World Champion Scotch Pie, although for this ultimate category there is still one final stage to determine the winner – a ‘mystery shop’ - to ensure the Scotch Pie entered into the awards is exactly the same pie that is sold day in and day out to happy customers.
The judges look for pie perfection across 11 categories; Scotch Pie, Football Pies and Savouries, Macaroni Pie, Steak Pie, Sausage Roll, Cold Savoury, Hot Savoury, Vegetarian Savoury, Haggis Savoury, Bridie and Apple Pies.
Chief executive of organisers Scottish Bakers, Alasdair Smith, confirmed announcing the shortlist is the first inkling entrants get that their pies have been judged to be the best.
He said: "To be on the shortlist is a huge achievement. And for me, it’s great to be recognising products which have been lovingly made from scratch from locally sourced ingredients, freshly made daily by skilled craftspeople."
