Scottish bakery Harry Gow has been crowned the Empire Biscuit Champion after creating a 78-inch behemoth as part of a competition by trade body Scottish Bakers.
The competition saw Harry Gow, which has stores across the Highlands and Moray, go head-to-head with fellow industry icon McGhee’s as well as local heroes Company Bakery and John Gillespie & Sons as they attempted to break an unofficial record by creating the world’s biggest empire biscuit.
The empire biscuits – which comprise two biscuits (typically shortbread) sandwiched with jam, topped with icing and a glace cherry or jelly tots – were baked in sections at the firm’s respective sites before being transported to Fife College in Dunfermline for judging. Here, assembly was finished and decoration added before an expert judging panel was brought in to assess them on their diameter and weight as well as their appearance, aroma, flavour, and jam content.
“Being part of the Empire Biscuit Challenge has been an absolute blast. The scale, the detail, the friendly rivalry, it was all amazing. Huge congratulations to everyone who took part, and we’re delighted to bring the win home for the Icons today,” said David Gow, MD at Harry Gow Bakery.
Peter Sawkins, Great British Bake Off 2020 winner and host of the day, described the atmosphere as “incredibly supportive”. “Everyone involved should be proud of what they achieved. It’s events like this that remind you how strong and connected the Scottish baking community really is.”
McGhees and Company Bakery are donating their empire biscuits to local food banks, while Harry Gow and John Gillespie & Sons have gifted their empire biscuits for Fife College to enjoy.
The competition was created to launch the new look Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026 – a one day and one night competition celebrating excellence across Scotland’s bakery sector. Driven by industry insight and expert judging, the awards aim to boost bakery pride, unite bakers, and raise consumer awareness of the skill behind Scotland’s baking.
Entries for Scottish Baker of the Year Awards are open now, with bakeries across Scotland invited to enter via the website.
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