Angus butcher James Pirie and Sons named Scotch Pie World Champion for a fifth year

A Scottish butcher has the upper crust as his Scotch pies were named the best in the business for a fifth time at the World Championships.

Scotch Pie World Champion Alan Pirie, from James Pirie and Sons in Angus, says his “small batch, handmade pies” are made with care and attention, with good quality meat fillings and top notch pastry his secret for the perfect pie.

He told STV News: “All our products are handmade, they’re not mass produced. We do them in small batches, we put lot of care and attention into them, a lot of speciality things. Seasonings, good quality meats, good quality pastry.

“We get people coming in from miles around to taste our pies. Everyone wants to taste a world champion pie.

“[We are a] very small business, this is a massive boost and winning this today is amazing.”

Lesley Cameron from Scottish Bakers said Alan’s pies were the best of the bunch as judges tasted dozens of pies to pick the perfect pastry.

She said: “We had over 500 entries and an expert panel that was looking at taste, texture, aroma, smell, fill, bake, lidding, all those different things.

“So for me, it was fantastic to watch the innovation around the room as well from all of the entrants. It was fantastic.”