Entries are now open for this year’s World Scotch Pie Championships, which sees bakers and butchers vying against each other for the top spot.

The championships, now in their 13th year, will be held at Carnegie College, Dunfermline. Judging will take place on Tuesday 15 November, and the prizes will be awarded at a celebration lunch on Thursday 5 January 2012.

Fourth-generation baker Maurice Irvine, of Irvine’s of Beith in Ayrshire, took the title of World Scotch Pie Champion at the last championships.

Buckhaven-based baker and butcher, and organiser of the event, Alan Stuart said he hoped the decision to announce the winner in January, would enable all winners to better capitalise on their awards, “instead of trying to fit things around the Christmas and New Year rush”.

“In these difficult times, we believe that success in competitions like ours can help tremendously to bring your business to local and national prominence,” he added.

Entry forms are available from Anna Drogon at Scottish Bakers by calling 0131 229 2401, or visit www.scotchpieclub.co.uk for more information.