THE Scottish Baking Awards had its launch party this month, and is encouraging entries from Helensburgh’s baking enthusiasts as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Organised by award-winning baker Melanie Andrews, who runs the Craigard Tearoom in Sinclair Street, the competition was created in 2009 to give the country’s best bakers official recognition with an award which can be displayed on their baking premises to signify its high baking standard to its customers.

Speaking about the launch event, Melanie said: “It was just absolutely fantastic. The team that we have here is fantastic, they’re so passionate and so good for Scottish cooking. I feel like a mother hen.”

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And on what makes this event so different from the rest, Melanie added: “People bring dummy cakes normally to other competitions. This one is different because it will show every mistake, because we’re actually going to eat! You have to be competent.

“We even have a junior category this year, we want to inspire and motivate the younger generation of bakers.

“And our competition is open for everyone – amateur, professional, hobbyists and business. Everyone.”

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The event will take place on September 5, 2020 and the seven categories available for entry are: home baking, patisserie, sugarcaft, cake artistry and novelty cakes, specialist baking (vegan, dairy-free, sugar-free and gluten-free categories), chocolate, bread and a junior category for bakers aged eight to 16.

The competition is open for bakers across the UK from any skill level and prizes include a Gold trophy plus £50 cash, Silver and Bronze medals and a certificate of Merit.

Entries will be judged by a formidable judging panel made up of eight culinary experts.

For more information on how to enter the competition and what will take place on the day visit scottishbakingawards.co.uk.

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