Pie awards move deli into the upper crust

Staff at Gravity, the off-license and deli in Penicuik, were shocked to find that their pastry products are in the running for the World Scotch Pie Championships.

The deli, which is run by husband and wife team Carol-Anne and David Seez, only started selling pies six months ago.

“We’re very pleased to be shortlisted,” said David. “We’re really proud to be among the top 15 per cent.

“We were really surprised as we’ve only had the pies for a matter of months, and many of the entrants have been doing this for decades.”

The awards night, which will this year be held in Cumbernauld, will see a number of accolades given out to piemakers from far and wide, but the exact category for which they have been shortlisted for is kept secret until the big night.

“We make seven different kinds of pies,” added David. “Scotch pies, macoroni, steak, Cornish pasty, vegetable curry, haggis neeps and tatties, and bridies.

“We don’t know which award we’re up for, but we’re proud to be shortlisted.

The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards aims to recognise the butchers and bakers who go the extra mile to produce their premium pastry goods.

In addition to Scotch pies, bakers and butchers are invited to enter their best sausage rolls, bridies, specialty savouries, Scottish football pie, apple pie or savoury.

Last year saw Saltcoats firm Kandy Bar win the title of Scotch Pie World Champion.

The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards will be held on January 11 at the Westerwood Hotel, in a ceremony hosted by Carol Smillie.