Success for champion Scotch pie maker

AN AYRSHIRE baker was celebrating the power of persistence yesterday when his Scotch pies were judged best in the world.

• World Scotch Pie winner Maurice Irvine from Irvine's of Beith celebrates. Picture: PA

Irvine's of Beith beat about 80 entries to take the title at the World Scotch Pie Championships. Director Maurice Irvine, 50, said it was "wonderful" to be champion at last. He has entered the contest 11 times and has come second, third and fourth in previous years.

Mr Irvine has a shop and factory in Beith, as well as shops in Dalry and Kilbirnie. He has 45 staff and the business has been in the family for four generations.

He said: "It's the most wonderful news. As an old-fashioned tradesman, the personal satisfaction is just so good. The quality of the competition just gets better every year, and to be judged by your peers as the best is just the icing on the cake."

Mr Irvine's great-great grandfather, Thomas, started the bakery in the 1920s which was carried on by his grandfather Walter and father Thomas, who retired 20 years ago.

Mr Irvine said: "I'm not telling you the recipe for the pies. That's a secret. It's a combination of good-quality meat with top ingredients. You've got to have the right blend of spices."

A record 390 products - such as pies, sausage rolls and bridies - were entered for the competition, now in its 12th year.

Irvine's of Beith makes about 60 dozen pies a day, but Mr Irvine expects to increase output once word of the win gets out.