Voting has opened for the Scottish Baker of the Year 2019 competition.

The competition, which was started by trade association Scottish Bakers in 2012, marked its launch with a challenge for children from local primary schools.

Pupils visited Scottish Baker of the Year 2018 John Gall of Brownings the Bakers, taking on challenges including applying fondant to pineapple cups using a handmade piping bag, applying a cream filling to yum yums and doughnuts, jamming and icing empire biscuits, and adding buttercream to cupcakes.

Voting for the competition is now open, and runs until 20 March. Judging will take place on 17 April and winners will be announced at the Scottish Bakers Annual Conference & Awards, 7-8 June, at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow.

The winners of each of the main categories – Bakery Café of the Year, Craft Baker, Retail Craft Baker and Wholesale Baker of the Year – will compete for the title of Scottish Baker of the Year 2019. There will also be awards for products including the best scone, bread, savoury, individual cake, morning roll, biscuit and celebration cake in the country.

“With thousands upon thousands of pies, scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes and biscuits sold in Scotland every day, our artisan bakers work hard to keep us all going,” said Alasdair Smith, chief executive at Scottish Bakers.

“This competition is based on real votes from real customers, so we urge customers to vote for their best bites – every vote really does count.”