Inverness MP Danny Turns Coalition Cakemaker

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander presided over dough of a different kind today as he launched the search for Scottish Baker of the Year.

The Highlands MP joined football commentator Archie Macpherson in Nairn where they marked the official start to this year's competition by trying their hand at icing cup cakes.

Their hosts, Ashers Bakery, scooped the title in 2014 when more than 20,000 members of the public voted to select Scotland's best cakes, scones and biscuits.

Ali and George Asher roped in Mr Alexander and Macpherson to help their team ice 500 cup cakes in 40 minutes, with the proceeds from the decorated cakes going to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Football pundit Macpherson, whose father was a baker, said: It's no surprise to know that I love a good pie at half time, so I was honoured to be asked to help out, of course, but I have never done anything like this before - it's allnew to me.

Mr Alexander said: I am delighted to be here today to put my stamp on a few cup cakes and help raise money for such a good cause.

Ashers is a real Highland business success story and they have been a great ambassador for the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.''

This year marks the fourth nationwide hunt for Scotland's best baker.

The competition was established in 2012 by trade association Scottish Bakers to promote the industry.

The 2015 award will once again be presented by c founder and judge on ITV's Britain's Best Bakery Mich Turner, who said she is looking forward to being surprised and delighted'' by what Scotland's bakers have to offer.

Consumers will be asked to vote for their favourite product across the categories of morning roll, bread, scone, savoury, individual cake and biscuit.

Scottish Bakers chief executive Alan Clarke said: We received some 15,000 votes from members of the public in Scotland in 2013 and over 20,000 in 2014.

We are delighted to launch our fourth search for the Scottish Baker of the Year in 2015.''

The Ashers said: Since winning, our business has gone from strength to strength and we have been able to share our success with all of our customers by continuing to provide the best baked goods, day in and day out.''