AN ALLOA butcher may be baking the best savouries in the world.

James Aitken Butchers has been shortlisted for the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards following a busy day of assessment in Dunfermline.

There were 50 judges looking for the best appearance, quality, consistency and, most importantly, taste.

Manager at James Aitken Butchers , Brian Cockburn said: "It's a prestigious competition so we're delighted to be shortlisted."

Alan Clark, chief executive of Scottish Bakers, who run the competition, said: “100 butchers and bakers entered 500 of their best products into 11 categories this year and the competition has been fierce so James Aitken Butchers can be proud to have come this far.

"The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards is the only competition of its kind recognising excellence in the preparation of a perfect pie.

"The competition is now a regular fixture on the calendar as butchers and bakers throughout the land vie for pie supremacy and the boost to their business that always comes with such a sought after title."

This year there were competitors from as far afield as the USA when Kevin Haggard represented his business Sunblest Foods based in Santa Maria, California.

The winner will be announced at a lunch at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld on January 11.

Last year Rendall's Quality Butchers, Alva was given a silver award for its Scotch pies.