Butcher makes 'world's best pie'

The scotch pie championships are hotly contested

A Fife butcher has been named as the overall winner at the 2007 World Scotch Pie Championships.

Amos Smith, of WF Stark butchers in Buckhaven, won at his first attempt in a competition which received a record number of entries.

Mr Smith said the victory had made him feel "on top of the world."

Keith Stuart, also from Buckhaven, took home the prize for best bridie, while a turkey and cranberry pie from Thomas Auld and Son was best savoury.

The awards were handed out at a lunch in Dunfermline attended by nearly 100 butchers and bakers from around Scotland.

Standards 'higher'

Mr Smith said: "I was a wee bit gobsmacked but now I'm really ecstatic, especially as it's the first time I've entered the competition.

"I'm glad I've kept the title in Buckhaven after last year's winner as well."

Alan Stuart, the competition's organiser and father of last year's winner Keith, said of Mr Smith: "It is his first entry into the competition and he must be applauded for his efforts.

"Standards are higher than ever this year, with presentation and taste significant factors."

Top bridie

Mr Stuart added that after his son won the title last year, his turnover significantly increased.

He said he expected Mr Smith's business to do the same.

Keith Stuart was not totally defeated, however. Defending his title on crutches after breaking his heel, he took home the prize for top bridie.

Mr Stuart said butchers had won the day, taking five prizes to four against the bakers, but he expected them to bounce back and face tougher competition next year at the award's 10th anniversary.