SHETLAND’S Voe Bakery, famed for its bannocks, pies and biscuits, celebrated its centenary last weekend.
Hundreds of locals descended on Voe harbour to ensure that the bakery celebrated in style.
The event involving representatives from the Royal Navy and a regiment of Viking warriors was held in the village of Voe on Saturday 23rd May in its honour.
The celebrations saw stalls erected at the waterside, music, food, a pie eating competition and children’s entertainment.
Voe Bakery is owned by Laurence and Tracey Thompson. Tracey was proud to be leading the celebrations and said: “There can’t be many places in the UK still doing the same thing as 100 years ago.”
Scottish Bakers chief executive, Alan Clarke, and senior training adviser, Jim McCormack, joined the celebrations.
He said that the company’s anniversary highlights the importance of family-owned craft bakers.
“Of our 200-plus bakery members, Voe Bakery is situated in one of the most picturesque locations and I am delighted to be visiting them again this weekend to support their centenary year celebrations.
“In this challenging economic climate, it is encouraging to see family businesses thriving as much as Voe Bakery is and it is testament to the family’s commitment and passion that the bakery has continued to survive and flourish providing employment and high quality bakery products for local people.
“I hope that Lawrence and Tracey have a great weekend and that the business goes on to celebrate its 200th anniversary in years to come.”
The bakery began life in 1915 at the request of the Navy, to feed hungry sailors stationed in nearby waters during World War One.
With a number of ships stationed in Shetland, there was a need for easily-reached sustenance – but the basic staple of bread wasn’t readily available.
The bakery’s range of products has developed over the years and is now includes a full range of bakery products which differs from the basic white unsliced bread and biscuits of its emerging years.
However, their iconic bannocks, remain the most popular item on sale, with the festive period dubbed ‘bannock season’.
Photo caption as follows: L-R: Jim McCormack, Scottish Bakers; Laurence Thompson, Voe Bakery; Tracey Thompson, Voe Bakery; Alan Clarke, Scottish Bakers
Ends
Notes to the editor
About Scottish Bakers
Scottish Bakers is the trading name of the Scottish Association of Master Bakers, which was formed in 1891. Our aims are to raise the profile of craft bakers and to raise skills in the bakery sector. The Association is recognised as the voice of the bakery sector in Scotland and continues to be an integral part of each member’s business operation by offering a wide range of services and promoting and protecting apprenticeship qualifications.
For press and communications enquiries, please contact: Lesley Redley on lesley@scottishbakers.org or 01383 661 555 or Alan Clarke on alan@scottishbakers.org 07702 547127.
For more information about Scottish Bakers, please visit our website www.scotttishbakers.org.
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