Top bridie award for Amos

Following the busiest judging day ever, a record entry of 100 butchers and bakers entering over 500 pies, pasties, sausage rolls, bridies, savouries and apple pies into the competition and with some 300 hopefuls attending the awards luncheon in Cumbernauld, W.F Stark butchers were proud to be producers of the best bridie in the land, taking one of only ten diamond awards given on the night.

Amos Smith, who owns and runs the butcher with his dedicated team said: “I am feeling on top of the world! It is hard to get an award and I was chuffed to get something.”

Coming off the back of a win in the silver category last year, Amos was worried that he had read the letter wrong.

He said: “They announced the bronze and then the silver and by the time they got to the gold and hadn’t read my name out, I was thinking ‘oh dear, did I read the letter right?’ but it was a pleasant surprise to get the top award.

“Obviously we touched the tastebuds of the judges this year and I can’t complain – right now the bridies are flying off the shelves! Everybody is wanting a bridie.”

Amos, who has took over the business 10 years ago is completely over the moon: “It is also great for staff morale.

“At this time of year, the quiet time, when everyone has spent their money, a warm bridie goes a long way.”

TV presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie presented the awards.

Head judge Ian Nelson said: “The competition, which has run for 17 years, aims to highlight that bakers and butchers create high quality artisan pastry products. Recognising the “great and the good” in this way rewards excellence and raises the bar in the industry.”

Alan Clarke of Scottish Bakers, said: “Once again we have brought together the best pies and baked goods in the land and today we can really celebrate the achievement of our hard working butchers and bakers.”

The competition is supported by Scottish Bakers which actively supports and promotes bakers and butchers by encouraging and sharing best practise. The Kandy Bar, Saltcoats won the overall prize for the best Scotch Pie.