Two Perthshire bakeries will be the toast of their towns after winning top gongs at the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards this week.
Aberfeldy’s Breadalbane Bakery and Pantry got two accolades, bagging best bread titles for two products for central and the whole of Scotland in their finest moment to date.
The shop’s multigrain low GI loaf and white sourdough loaf both gained a gold award, each judged the best in the region and the best in Scotland.
Meanwhile, Perth’s Tower Bakery clinched the gold award for the best free-from bread in the whole of Scotland.
The Aberfeldy family team responded to the news by commenting that they “couldn’t believe it”.
“Over the weekend, the awards ceremony for Scottish Baker of the Year took place in Glasgow. We were unfortunately unable to attend due to recent family events. But we followed the event live over Twitter,” wrote manager Lynda Morris.
“Well, what a shock we had.
“After going up against 57 other bakeries, and over 500 products being judged, we’ve walked home with both Best Bread in Scotland titles.
“Yes that’s right, we can’t believe it. Our highest achievement yet and an award we have always wanted.”
Siblings David and Hannah Curston spoke to the PA : “As a family, we are so incredibly proud of our achievement in the Scottish Baker Awards this year.”
“We have always aimed for a Best in Scotland award, but to then bring home two in one year, and claiming both bread titles was just insane!” added David.
“Since purchasing the bakery in 2009, we have worked so hard to get where we are today, including fighting through a global pandemic, and coming out the other side stronger than ever.
“On Thursday, April 21, our family sadly lost wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Maureen Morris.
“She has always been so proud of what we have achieved, and we know she will be looking down on us with such pride.
“We dedicate these wins to her.”
Angela McKinnon of Tower Bakery dedicated their win to her team and the customers.
“We are delighted to have won the award for best free-from bread in Scotland,” she said.
“We have a great team here at Tower Bakery.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for us and thank you to our customers and the Tower Bakery team.”
On Wednesday morning, Alistair Smith, the CEO of Scottish Bakers brought the awards and trophies to Breadalbane Bakery's Aberfeldy premises.
“It was amazing to finally receive one of those bakers peel trophies we’ve always wanted,” added Hannah.
“We’d love to also make a mention to our customers.
“So many thank yous to everyone who has ever purchased from us and continues to support us.”
