LOCHORE based bakers, Bayne's, are impressing their customers.

The 2020 search for the Scottish Baker of Year might have been postponed, but over 14,000 bakery customers in Scotland still voted for their favourite baker and Scottish Bakers, the industry organisation with over 200 bakery members Scotland-wide, is delighted to announce that: Bayne’s the Family Baker is one of the most popular Retail Craft Bakeries in Scotland, having received nearly 800 votes from its customers.

John Bayne, of the Loanhead Avenue bakers, said, “After a challenging few months it is wonderful to know that so many of our customers rate us their favourite Retail Bakery.

"We are really touched, so thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for us. We are looking forward to continuing to serve our community with freshly baked, quality produce for many more years to come.”

Scottish Bakers ambassador and star baker in her own right, Mich Turner MBE, said “It’s not just for our daily bread that we rely on our local bakers and who doesn’t love a tasty treat, perfect pie or super sausage roll, so to be able to celebrate the success of our winners is wonderful.”

The competition runs every year to help find the best bakers in Scotland and the 2020 competition, which got off to a great start in February before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, saw the first ever “Customer Choice” awards. Shoppers simply voted for their favourite baker and from these we have identified a “Customer Choice” winner and two runners-up in each of the four business categories; Craft Baker, Retail Craft Baker, Wholesale Baker and Bakery Café.

Mich Turner added: “I am delighted to announce the winners today and bring some sense of celebration back to the great Scottish Bakers family. And as lockdown eases, we’re asking consumers everywhere, if you haven’t shopped in your local baker for a while, perhaps now is the time to pay a visit and try some of their fantastic fresh bakes. Each product you buy helps recognise the hard work and skill of your favourite local baker and to help their businesses bounce back.”

Alasdair Smith of Scottish Bakers, who organise the competition said: “We are delighted to have been able to give the public a say in 2020 with our new Customer Choice awards. It was a great opportunity for Scottish bakers to reach out to their customers and communities and get people buzzing about great, traditional Scottish baking. Baynes are a worthy finalist in the Customer Choice Retail Craft Bakery of the year award, sponsored by Puratos.”