Tag: pies

Pieoneers battle it out for record-breaking Pie-Off at 25th annual World Championship Scotch Pie Awards

Over 530 pies compete for crowning glory – biggest turnout in awards’ history


Co-Head Judge Gordon Newlands, Quality Meat Scotland with Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive Scottish Bakers and Kyle Rodgers, Rainbow Dust.

A record-breaking number of entries for the 25th annual World Championship Scotch Pie Awards, organised by Scottish Bakers, were judged yesterday (Wednesday 26 March) at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline.

With an astonishing 539 entries from 88 companies across multiple categories, this Silver Jubilee year marks the biggest turnout in the competition’s history – and perhaps its fiercest yet.

A panel of over 50 expert judges, representing every part of the industry – from field to fork – are tasting and assessing each entry. These include technical experts, NPD specialists, buyers, chefs, multiple retail representatives, and consumers, ensuring the judging reflects both the full supply chain and end customer.

This year also introduces two new head judges: butcher Gordon Newlands and baker Kyle Rodgers, making the competition more representative of both sectors. The diverse judging panel mirrors the dynamic and evolving nature of the industry.

The 2025 theme, “Pieoneers”, celebrates the passion, skill and dedication of the bakers, butchers, and pie makers who continue to push boundaries while staying true to tradition. The campaign recognises those leading innovation in the industry and shaping its future.

Lesley Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers, said: “This is a milestone year for the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards, we are thrilled to see a record-breaking number of entries.

“The talent and innovation in the industry have never been stronger, and our Pieoneers continue to push the boundaries of excellence. Today’s judging is a testament to their incredible craftsmanship.”

Co-Head Judge Gordon Newlands, Brand Development and Scotch Butchers Club Manager at Quality Meat Scotland, added: “The standard of entries continues to rise year after year.

“With new categories and a more representative judging panel, we’re seeing even greater creativity and skill. It’s an honour to be part of it.”

Co-Head Judge Kyle Rodgers, UK Sales Manager for Rainbow Dust, agreed: “It’s incredible to see the innovation and passion that goes into every entry.

“Our Pieoneers are raising the bar yet again – it’s been a feast for the senses!”

Paul Long, Managing Director of BAKO, concluded: “We’re proud to continue to support the 25th World Championship Scotch Pie Awards as a strategic partner in this milestone year.

“To see a record number of entries from so many talented bakers, butchers and pie makers is a real testament to the strength and passion of our industry.

“The new Pieoneers campaign is a fantastic addition, helping to shine an even brighter spotlight on the people and skills behind the craft of pie-making – and we’re delighted to play our part in supporting the awards and industry talent.”

This year saw the introduction of two new categories: Retailer Pie Product of the Year, sponsored by Tracker (TRKR), and Lighter Options, co-sponsored by Reformul8 and Ulrick—reflecting changing consumer preferences while continuing to honour traditional excellence.

The competition is proudly supported by BAKO, this year’s Awards Partner, and Carr’s Flour, Diamond Sponsor, alongside other valued category sponsors.

The 2025 World Scotch Pie Champion will be crowned at a glittering awards ceremony at The Hilton in Glasgow on Saturday 10 May.

For more information, visit scotchpieawards.com.

Seven Days and the legend of the Pilton Pieman

Just a week to go until the NEN Walkathon, and walkers may already have selected their chosen routes. You don’t have to stick to the suggested routes, however, the choice is all yours!

How about tackling … THE PIEMAN’S PATH?

Never heard the legend of the Pilton Pieman? Then read  on …

The only known illustration of Patrick 'Pudden' Porter
The only known illustration of Patrick ‘Pudden’ Porter

Patrick ‘Pudden’ Porter – the Pilton Pieman 

Many years ago, the legend of Pudden, the Pilton Pieman was born. This is the story: 

Patrick ‘Pudden’ Porter was of noble birth – his family was landed gentry. Young Paddy enjoyed all the privileges of wealth, but life was to change forever for the young man when he met and fell in love with a Newhaven fishwife. Paddy’s father disowned him when he chose to marry his Newhaven love.

Patrick and his new bride lived in relative poverty, particularly when the fishing was poor, but the young nobleman was a good, hard worker who would tackle any labour – when he could not go off to see on the trawlers he worked with butchers, bakers and yes, possibly even candlestick makers to make money, gain experience and provide for his growing family. It was a tough life, but Paddy never regreatted the path he had chosen.

Mr&MrsOne evening, when he was particularly down on his luck, Paddy cut through Caroline Park House on his way home from a labouring shift, bringing in the harvest on Drylaw Farm.

He was amazed to see hundreds, maybe thousands of rabbits scampering around the grounds – and an idea formed that was to change his life forever.

The following day  he returned to Caroline Park House and spoke to the gamekeeper there. The gamekeeper was only too happy to have someone to help him deal with the rabbit epidemic and soon Paddy was hard at work.

Paddy then used the skills he had learned as a butcher and a baker – and young Paddy’s delicious home made rabbit pies and puddings quickly became the talk of the town.

Paddy ‘Pudden’ Porter became something of a celebrity in Leith and Edinburgh – he mixed with the rich and famous and his pies were served at Royal banquets at Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.

Pudden's legendary rabbit pie can be seen at the British Museum
Pudden’s legendary rabbit pie can be seen at the British Museum

While ‘Pudden’ Porter’s family flourished, the same could not be said for the family who had disowned him. ‘Pudden’ had been the first of six boys – but each of the others died prematurely, often in suspicious circumstances. Some whispered that the Porters were cursed – a housemaid swore that each of the Porter boys died after eating …. no, contaminated fish!

The Pilton Pieman went from strength to strength – Paddy Porter became Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The Porters also had a large family – by a strange coincidence, also six boys – and each of them in turn became town councillors. It’s thought that this is where the phrase ‘gravy train’ originated.

And while both Edinburgh and Leith have grown and changed so much over the centuries, even to this day the city council still has it’s fair share o’ Puddens!

pie

THE PIEMAN’s PATH

Bayne’s, Drylaw Shops

Groathill Bakery

Gregg’s, Pennywell Road

Gregg’s, Boswall Parkway

Caroline Park House

Granton Home Bakery, West Granton Road

Mason’s Bakery, Newhaven

Walk in the footsteps of a local legend and taste a piece of history!