A LOCAL butcher's pies have been judged among the best in Scotland by the Scottish Craft Butchers Association.

Kevin Walker, whose family-run business is based in Shore Road in Kilcreggan, saw his chicken-and-leek and chicken-and-ham pies scoop two coveted gold awards in the Scottish Craft Butchers Savoury Pastry Products Awards 2017.

And their handheld steak pies and steak and haggis pies both secured a Silver Award.

Kevin said he was “thrilled” to be recognised in this meaty New Year’s Honours List.

“To be recognised by the industry in this way is tremendous,” he said. “We know our pies are good but it’s a great lift for the team to see our products rewarded in this way.”

Kevin, who apprenticed to a butcher in Alexandria when he left school, opened his own shop in Kilcreggan in 2007. Three years ago, he expanded with a second shop at Dumbarton.

But when it comes to pies, Kevin modestly accepts that the plaudits belong to his mother Margaret.

“Mum is behind all the recipes that go into our pastry products,” he said.

“Whenever she’s working on a new idea, there’s a plate send through to the team for tasting or handed round the customers for feedback. She then tinkers away at it until it’s just right.”

Margaret’s secret recipes remain just that, however – secret!

“No one knows her recipes and she’s not telling,” laughed Kevin.

“Hopefully she’ll pass them on when she retires.”

The award-winning shop produces hundreds of pies each week, drawing customers from far and wide.

The family firm's steak pies were judged the best in the west of Scotland at the Scottish Craft Butchers Awards in 2015.

“We’re a wee shop in a small town and as long as you offer quality and fair pricing, people will appreciate having you in their community,” said Kevin.

“These awards will show our customers that the products they like are highly thought of in the industry as well.”

Kevin was one of around 60 butchers from all over Scotland who collectively submitted nearly 300 different handcrafted pies, sausage rolls and bridies which were judged across six categories in one of the industry’s most keenly contested awards.

Douglas Scott, chief executive of Scottish Craft Butchers, said this year’s standard of entry had raised the bar for the industry awards.

“Customers are demanding top quality and an ever-increasing range of outstanding products,” he explained, “and Scottish butchers like Kevin are leading the way with outstanding products made to their own recipes on their own premises.

“His pies were judged to be among the very best you can buy in your local Scottish butchers and we’re delighted they’ve secured Gold Awards from their industry.”

“These awards show customers just what a high standard their local butcher sets.”