The Kandy Bar has been crowned World Scotch Pie Champion 2016 – the Saltcoats-based bakery also took home the title in 2014.

The winner of the 17th World Scotch Pie Championship is The Kandy Bar of Saltcoats, near Kilmarnock. Having taken the title in 2014, they have now triumphed for a second time. 

Kandy Bar owner Stephen McAllister said: “To win again, I cannot believe it! ...This award is proof that The Kandy Bar team is the best in the land. I am really looking forward to the year ahead and to selling more of our winning pies than ever.”

Stephen McAllister in a celebratory mood

McAllister was presented with his award by television presenter and entrepreneur Carol Smillie, who said: “I had a feeling Stephen would be over the moon, but even I couldn’t have prepared myself for the sheer elation!”

Now in its 17th year, the competition puts the spotlight on quality artisan products. There were a record number of entries this year, more than 500 products entered across the 10 categories, and the winners were:

    • Football pie: Bruce of the Broch, Fraserburgh (steak pie served at Fraserburgh United Juniors’ matches)
    • Steak pie: Brownings the Bakers, Kilmarnock
    • Hot savoury: Nevis Bakery, Fort William (peppered steak & Stornoway black pudding pie)
    • Maclean’s cup: Macdonald Bros, Pitlochry (vegetable quiche pie)
    • Sausage roll: Thomas Johnston, Falkirk
    • Haggis savoury: Foston Fine Meats, Berwickshire (steak, haggis & Drambuie pie)
    • Vegetarian savoury: Macdonald Bros, Pitlochry (vegetable quiche pie)
    • Apple pie: Boghall Butchers, Bathgate
    • Bridie: W F Stark, Buckhaven (mince bridie)
  • Cold savoury: Ballards Butchers, Dumfries (poachers pie)

Alan Clarke, of organiser Scottish Bakers, said: “My heartfelt congratulations go to our winner, and indeed everyone today taking away a prize; they are all winners in my book.”