Kilmarnock-based business Brownings the Bakers has won the top accolade in the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards 2017.

Running for its 18th year and supported by Scottish Bakers, more than 500 products were entered by nearly 100 butchers and bakers.

At an awards luncheon in Cumbernauld, Scotland, TV presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie presented the award to John Gall, MD for Browning’s the Bakers, which he said made him “almost speechless”.

“To have been given the ultimate accolade today and to be able to call our pie the world champion as judged by a panel of experts is just excellent,” he said.

“This award is proof of what I have known for a long time - that the Brownings team is the best in the land. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and to selling more of our champion pies than ever.”

Fifty judges, including Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh and Scottish Professional Football League board member Ian Maxwell, assessed the products and selected eleven category winners.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, commended the hard-working butchers and bakers.

“Once again we have brought together the best pies and baked goods in the land,” he said. “My heartfelt congratulations go to our winner and, indeed, everyone today taking away a prize. They are all winners in my book.”

The 11 category winners are as follows:

Brownings the Bakers Ltd – Scotch Pie

Scott Brothers - Sausage roll

Thomas Johnston Brothers – Bridie

Bert Fowlie – Macaroni Pie

Stuart’s of Buckhaven – Steak pie (hand held)

Taste of the Trossachs – Hot Savoury

Mr. C’s Hand-Crafted Pies Ltd – Cold Savoury

Taste of the Trossachs – Haggis Savoury

Browning’s the Bakers – Vegetarian Savoury

Beth Browning’s Bakery – Apple Pie

Pars Foods Ltd – Football Pie