Entries open for annual Scotch Pie Championships

Bakers and butchers from around the country will be submitting their entries to (lucky) judges

Author: Alice FaulknerPublished 29th Jan 2025
Last updated 29th Jan 2025

Calling all pie makers, professional and amateur alike – the Scotch Pie World Championships are back for 2025, and the heat is officially on.

The competition, which crowns the crème de la crème of Scotland’s traditional pies, has opened its doors for entries, promising another year of mouth-watering brilliance.

Held annually, this event is a celebration of the humble yet iconic Scotch pie, a culinary classic that’s won the hearts (and stomachs) of Scots and pie enthusiasts.

Bakers from all corners of the country – and even further afield – are now perfecting their recipes, hoping to clinch the title of World Scotch Pie Champion.

Judged by an expert panel, entries will be evaluated on everything from flavour to texture, pastry quality, and overall appearance. It’s no easy feat impressing this lot, but the rewards are worth it – the title is a golden ticket to fame and a huge boost for bakeries big and small.

Nigel Ovens, from McCaskies butchers in Wemyss Bay is entering for the very first time - but has a winning formula up his sleeve.

His company bought the recipe for James Pirie and Sons five-time winning scotch pie after owners Alan and Norma went into retirement.

Nigel said: "It's a huge deal - the BAFTAs for bakers and butchers.

"It doesn't matter if you're a wee small producer or a big producer, what matters is that product being blind tasted on the day.

"All pies are not created equal.

"But that wee pie - the pastry with the meat in the middle and the hole in the top - it's nothing short of iconic.

"I didn't want the Pirie name to disappear - its a family who've put everything into it and that's why I took it on.

"I'm very proud to have the Pirie pie sitting against our products."

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