World Championship Scotch Pie Awards for Maclean’s Highland Bakery and Ashers

TWO local bakers won prizes for their products at an annual national awards ceremony.

Maclean’s Highland Bakery’s lasagne pie placed 3rd in the ‘Hot Savoury’ category while Ashers Bakery also took bronze in the ‘Sausage Roll’ and ‘Football Pie & Savoury’ classes in the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.

Maclean’s managing director, Lewis Maclean, appreciates the recognition.

He said: “We’re really pleased that our lasagne pie has, again, won an award at the competition - it must be our most decorated pie of all time!

“The competition was fierce, with record numbers of pies and businesses entering this year.”

Ashers managing director Paul Thomson was also happy with the recognition for his “high quality craft bakes.

He said: “It is really satisfying to see our products hold their own against the very best that Scotland has to offer. It was nice to see Nairn County mentioned on the big screen alongside clubs including Scottish Premier League teams in the football pie category.”

Mr Thomson put the pies placing down to the dedication and pride in the work of his bakers.

He added: “We also use the best ingredients and stick to recipes that deliver a fantastic product and stand the test of time.

“We were up against the very best bakers and butchers from all over Scotland - this year saw the biggest ever entry in the competition’s history.

“The awards are testament to the hard work of all our colleagues helping to deliver our products all over Moray and the Highlands.”

Carol Smillie presented the awards at the Hilton, Glasgow - marking the competition’s 25th anniversary.

She said: “I am always thrilled to be part of the event celebrating the incredible talent and dedication of Scotland’s butchers, bakers and pie makers.

“Every year, I am amazed by the passion and craftsmanship that goes into creating these delicious pies. The high standard of entries proves that the industry continues to thrive.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, your hard work and commitment to quality truly deserve to be recognised."

This year’s competition saw over 539 products entered by 88 companies. Following an intense judging day, 50 expert judges assessed entries for taste, appearance, smell, and texture across multiple categories.

Reflecting the ever-evolving pie industry, the 2025 competition also introduced two new categories, ‘Lighter Options’ and ‘Retailer Pie Product of the Year’.

Chief executive of Scottish Bakers, Lesley Cameron, said the entrants set the standard for quality and innovation in the industry.

She added: “Our winners should be incredibly proud - to stand out in such a fiercely competitive field is an outstanding achievement. We’re delighted to celebrate Scotland’s pie makers, our ‘Pieoneers’, who keep our rich culinary heritage alive while pushing the craft forward."