World Scotch Pie Competition hit by snow

- Published: 30 November, 2010

Butchers and bakers hoping to scoop a top pie title will be forced to put their plans on hold after organisers were forced to postpone due to the heavy snow.

The World Scotch Pie Championship ceremony was due to be held today (Tuesday, 30 November), but organisers have put it on hold after looking at the weather forecasts.

Pie-makers from across Britain were all due to attend the event in Carnegie College, Dunfermline. However, the organiser, Alan Stuart of Stuart’s of Buckhaven, took the decision to delay after consulting weather experts.

He said: “The weather forecast is for more snow. We have over 100 members and their guests due to travel from all over Britain to attend the awards lunch. There is no way we can risk people travelling on roads affected by snow and ice.”

The ceremony will now be rescheduled to Thursday, 6 January, weather permitting, he added. “It’s the first time in our 12-year history that we’ve had to postpone the awards lunch.

“Naturally, it’s disappointing. However, this is a really busy time for butchers and bakers and we don’t want to take them away from their shops at a critical time in the calendar. That’s why we have delayed until early January.”

A total of 80 entries, including two English-based businessmen, Graeme Trotter of Trotters Family Bakers, Seahouses, Northumberland, and new entrant Mark Duckworth of Dale’s Traditional Butchers, Kirkby Lonsdale near Lancaster, now anxiously await the results.

Alan said: “The results will remain a secret until January, but a total of 80 entries were received and judged this year from 50 butchers and 30 bakers. There were 390 products in the four classes of Scotch pie, bridie, sausage roll and savoury and that is extremely encouraging, given that we are in a recession.

“This also shows the power of this competition, which was conceived to raise standards in the industry. We have certainly done that. People also want to be involved because of potential spin-offs in publicity, marketing and sales.”

He added: “We’re keen to broaden the horizons of the competition and stepped up our bid to invite butchers and bakers from England and Northern Ireland to take part. I’m particularly delighted to see two English entrants competing. Graeme Trotter is a long-time supporter of the event. However, we welcome Mark Duckworth of Kirkby Londsdale. If either of them win, then they would be the first non-Scot to take the coveted title.”

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