Media release: 21st World Championship Scotch Pie Awards 2020 gives ultimate accolade – for a second time – to James Pirie & Son of Newtyle

THE World Championship Scotch Pie Awards 2020 came to an exciting conclusion today as James Pirie & Son became a two-time world champion when they were announced as the 21^st holder of this coveted title.

They were crowned ‘World Scotch Pie Champion 2020’ at a glittering awards ceremony in Cumbernauld, hosted by Carol Smillie.

Over 75 professional pie makers lined up to deliver their perfect products into the hands of the judges in November. To come out on top once again, only two years after first taking the prize, James Pirie & Son can truly be proud to have produced the Champion Scotch Pie. In 21 years of the competition, only three other pie makers can lay claim to ‘doing the double.”

Entries were judged in 11 categories with top prizes on offer for the best in category with offerings from football pies and savouries, Macaroni pies, steak pies, sausage rolls, cold savouries, hot savouries, vegetarian savouries, haggis savouries, Bridies and apple pies.

Alan Pirie, of butcher James Pirie & Son, said: “Well, I was not expecting that!

“We won, again! I am speechless. To have once again been given the ultimate accolade in our profession is just excellent. I am so proud of what we make from scratch every day and it so often goes without recognition. Today is proof that all our hard work is worth it. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and to selling more of our champion pies than ever.”

TV presenter and entrepreneur, Carol Smillie, who presented James Pirie & Son with their award, said: “The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards really is one of the highlights of my year.

“I have been hosting since 2016 and I have seen many well-deserved winners in all the categories take to the stage, but to see Alan up here again is wonderful. I know what it means to win, so every winner here today should be proud of their success and I hope they all see their businesses grow and prosper in the year to come.”

Added head judge, Ian Nelson: “For 21 years now, professional pie makers throughout Scotland, and from even further afield, have been so proud of their produce that they have taken the time and trouble to enter The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.

“And I must say that the standard keeps getting better each year. All our winners deserve the accolades they have taken home today.”

Alasdair Smith, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, said: “At Scottish Bakers, our core purpose is to promote and protect the interests of the trade and this competition makes our task simple. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this competition recognising excellence and celebrating success. Everyone here today is a winner.”

Notes for editors:

Scottish Bakers has been supporting and protecting the interests of Scotland’s bakery trade for over 125 years.

Scottish Bakers’ core purpose is to promote and protect the interests of the trade; representing, advising and supporting all aspects of Scotland’s baking industry to ensure it remains competitive and equipped for growth.

It does this by providing the widest possible range of benefits that help its members sustain and grow their businesses including: skills development, technical information and assistance, competitions, sector intelligence, legal advice, financial discounts, and social and business networking.

Scottish Bakers manages both The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards and The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards each year to recognise and celebrate excellence in the sector.

But most importantly, Scottish Bakers belongs to its members, it is there for their benefit and is proud of its motto, ‘for the good of all’.

www.scottishbakers.org

With thanks to our awards partner: Bako Northwestern Group

MEDIA RELEASE issued by Fourcade Communications. You too can share your stories (aka press or media releases), on this site. Email here for more information.

Contact: Julie Fourcade
Phone: 07850523615
Email: julie@fourcade.co.uk