Galashiels bakery Alex Dalgetty & Sons, founded in the 19th century, has broken through to the ranks of the the great piemen.
Since its inception 13 years ago, the World Scotch Pie Championship has been monopolised by some of the country’s finest butchers. But in November Dalgetty, which has shops in Bank Street, Galashiels, and High Street, Melrose, was one of 20 shortlisted finalists who presented their products to an expert panel of judges in Dunfermline.
On Thursday, at the Fife’s town’s Carnegie College, it was announced that Dalgetty had taken third place in the competition – first was John G, Renicks of Thornhill and second, Edenmill Farm Shop from Stirling.
“It’s a terrific achievement for our staff,” said Dalgetty director Craig Murray.
“We’re better known in the Borders for our rolls, Selkirk Bannocks and Border Tarts, but customer feedback about the quality of our Scotch pies encouraged us to enter a competition dominated by butchers.
“To be judged as making the world’s third best Scotch pies has been a real boost for us all and to High Street butcher Jim Hogg who supplies our meat.”
There was also success for two Borders butchers in the sausage roll category of the prestigious contest, with A. J. Learmonth of Jedburgh and W. T. S. Forsyth of Peebles lifting gold and silver awards respectively.