Sole Scots contestant hopes for Bake Off success

A RETIRED naval officer from Portknockie in Moray hopes to continue Scotland’s tradition of success in The Great British Bake Off when the new series begins tonight.
Norman Calder is hoping to showcase some traditional Scottish recipes such as butter biscuits during his stint on the programme. Picture: ContributedNorman Calder is hoping to showcase some traditional Scottish recipes such as butter biscuits during his stint on the programme. Picture: Contributed
Norman Calder is hoping to showcase some traditional Scottish recipes such as butter biscuits during his stint on the programme. Picture: Contributed

Norman Calder is hoping to showcase some traditional Scottish recipes such as butter biscuits during his stint on the programme, following in the footsteps of his father and brother, who were both bakers.

The 66-year-old impressed judges during auditions when he made cheese and sundried tomato rolls and a puff pastry apple tart in the shape of a window shutter.

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The only Scot among the 12 finalists in the fifth series of the popular show, Mr Calder served with the Merchant Navy, joining at the age of 19 and travelling the world as a radio operator.

By belatedly taking up the rolling pin of his father, Mr Calder hopes to keep the family’s baking heritage going. His father once ran one of three bakeries in Portknockie, but now none remains.

But despite his heritage, Mr Calder, who describes himself as “a jack of all trades,” said he felt somewhat inexperienced compared to other contestants.

“On the Bake Off I felt like a bit of a fraud,” he said. “But of course, it all comes down to what happens on the day.”

James Morton, of Shetland, reached the final of the show in 2012 when he was a fourth year medical student in Glasgow. He now works as a baker.

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