AN ALLOA butcher's recently-developed Balmoral pie has earned industry recognition.

Just in time for Burn's Night, the High Street's James Aitken Butchers secured gold award at the Scottish Craft Butchers Savoury Pastry Products Awards 2018 with the creation while picking up another four silvers for bridies, sausage rolls, Scotch and steak pies.

The Balmoral piece, featuring haggis and chicken with peppercorn sauce, was created by shop manager Brian Cockburn who develops all the recipes and looks after a staff of 16.

He said: "It's great to be recognised by our industry body and these awards reassure the public of the quality and standard produced by their local butcher.

"The public like to see their chosen butcher recognised for their produce."

Aitken's was one of around 60 butchers from all over Scotland to enter the awards, which saw 300 different handcrafted savouries across six categories.

Douglas Scott, chief executive of Scottish Craft Butchers, said this year's pastry evaluation has seen a record number of entrants.

He added: "The evaluation drives up standards year after year, all to the benefit of the customer.

"Identifying the very best is of immense importance since these are the products that pastry enthusiasts will travel big distances to source.

"Awards are not given out lightly. Every one of the butchers recognised can be rightly proud of their products and their customers can purchase with high expectations of great taste.

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

The High Street shop has been on a roll in racking up the accolades over the years.

In May, 2017, Brian and the team received gold awards with their Indian lamb kebabs, chicken kebabs in Argentinian sauce and silver for the haggis, neeps and tatties tray.

A year ago, at the same competition, they won first place with Scotch pies and sausage rolls and again silvers with birdies and steak pies.

In 2016, Brian and the team were also crowned East of Scotland champions in the Scottish Craft Awards with their squared slice.

Rabbie Burns' Night will be held this year on Thursday, January 25.