Fife bakery looks to the next generation

However, as restrictions slowly lift and business starts to settle into the new-normal, the need to nurture a new generation of skilled craft bakers is becoming ever more apparent.

Stuart’s of Buckhaven is one of Scotland’s oldest family run bakers, dating back to 1857 and during lockdown demand for their product soared as people shopped more locally.

This led to even managing director Keith Stuart donning his whites again and helping the bakers keep up with demand.

But as a long standing business, Stuart’s are aware of the need to look forward so they are investing now in creating a skilled workforce for the future.

The company currently has candidates working on the following qualifications: Craft Bakery Skills level 2, Food Sales and Service Skills level 2, and Food and Drink Operations level 3.

Mark Stuart, who is a director of the business, said: “Training is essential for our staff to keep their skills up to date and to keep them motivated to continue to learn.

“It is only by investing in our people that we can truly help to future proof our business.”

One such candidate is Cameron Winton, who has worked at the bakery for six years and has been shop manager for the last year.

He recently completed Food Sales and Service Skills at SCQF level 5.

Cameron said: “I started studying for this qualification to gain a better all-round knowledge of food safety, health and safety at work.

“The focus of this course is more on the quality of service along with giving me more rounded knowledge for his job role.

“I can really see the benefits in how I deliver my role day to day and I hope to sign up to the next level of the qualification, Food and Drink Operations at SCQF level 6, in the next few months.”

Meanwhile, Keith Stuart recently visited Ward 43 at the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy to deliver them new furniture.

This is following on from the firm’s donation of £8000 to the NHS Fife Trust earlier this year from its NHS Empire Biscuits sales.