Thurso-based business Reids of Caithness has been awarded the title of Scottish Baker of the Year.

The bakery took the title at a ceremony in Glasgow on Saturday night that marked the culmination of the annual conference of trade association and awards organiser Scottish Bakers.

“We are extremely pleased to be recognised as Scotland’s best baker,” said managing director Gary Reid.

“We take our business very seriously and use traditional methods and craftsmen’s skills to deliver quality every time. But we could not have come this far in the competition without the votes of all of our customers. Thank you.”

More than 11,000 customers from across Scotland voted for their favourite bakery products in eight categories.

In addition to the title of Scottish Baker of the Year, Reids won the following product awards: national bronze and regional gold in the morning roll category; regional gold in corn bread; and national bronze in buttery.

Mich Turner MBE, who presented Reids of Caithness with their award, said: “It has given me great pleasure to be involved in the competition again this year. There have been some fantastic entries and all the prizes I have handed out to bakers have been worthy in every way. I wish all our winners well in the coming year.”

The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards is run by Scottish Bakers, which has held the event since 2012.

“Now in its sixth year, the competition celebrates our love of a tasty treat from our local baker and aims to crown just one hard-working bakery Scottish Baker of the Year,” said Scottish Bakers chief executive Alan Clarke.

“With thousands upon thousands of pies, scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes and biscuits sold in Scotland every day, our bakers work hard to keep us all going.”