Secret recipe gives baker major hit in the pie charts

Staff at James Allan Butchers are pie-eyed with delight after being named as one of the best Scotch pie makers in the country.

The firm was one of just three to receive a silver accolade at this year's Scotch Pie Championships.

Its 85p pie, which has been flying out of stores, picked up a gong for its new recipe.

The credit crunch has failed to take a bite out of the firm's slice of the pie market, with sales increasing by a third since its winning formula pies were introduced.

James Allan Bakers' managing director Mark Bradford is remaining tight lipped about the secret ingredients that have transformed his pies.

He said: "We are absolutely delighted to win this recognition for our new Scotch pies.

"We recently changed the recipe and introduced a subtle new blend of herbs and spices which has clearly thrilled the taste buds of the judges who know more than a thing or two about Scotch pies.

"Next year, we will be going all out to improve our position again and hopefully go for a gold."

The firm, based in Torrance, employs 49 people across its nine stores and in the bakery.

It operates shops in Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Lenzie, Helensburgh, Milngavie, Dennistoun, Riddrie and Carntyne, as well as the store in Torrance.

This year, the Scotch Pie World Championships attracted more than 70 entries from all across Scotland.

It is in its 10th year and was established to improve the image of pies.

Alan Stuart, founder of the Scotch Pie Club and the man behind the World Scotch Pie Championship, believed it was time to put the pies on a pedestal.

This was the second year James Allan Bakers has been recognised after picking up a bronze award in 2007.

This year's winners were announced at a special ceremony at Lauder College in Dunfermline.

The overall winner this year was Paul Boyle of Boghall Butchers. The Bathgate baker's pie was named the best in the world, the second time his product has received the accolade.