A multi award-winning Perth bakery has its eyes on the pies once more after being shortlisted for the prestigious Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.
Murrays Bakers made the cut after 12 of its star products were taste tested by industry experts at the annual judging day in Dunfermline earlier this month.
The South Street favourite was among 70 bakers assessed for appearance, the quality of the bake and taste - and they proved to be a big hit.
With prizes on offer for the best scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes and biscuits, as well as French and Danish style pastries and Free-from bread, biscuits and cakes, the temperature is heating up for the ultimate patisserie prize.
Jim Williamson and his family took over the long-established Perth bakery, Murrays the Bakers, in 2021 from Scottish Bakers past president Linda Hill, who had been the fourth generation of her family to run the business.
Jim is “absolutely delighted” that under his stewardship the standard is still pie high at Murrays.
He said: “Although we have a wall of awards dating away back in time, Murrays Bakers never take these awards for granted.
“We would obviously be over the moon [to win] but not only for us but for Perth and our very loyal customers both local and further afield who turn up every day and support Murrays Bakers.
“It would also be a big thank you to them. Murrays Bakers is an institution!
“In some ways it belongs as much to our customers as it does to us as a family.
“The year 2021 was an important year for Murrays Bakers, after 120 years this family-owned business was transferred from one family to another. Again two generations working together. As one of our older customers said, ‘This new journey is with good taste and great vision!’
"We agree.”
Year in, year out Murrays accrues accolades for its outstanding pies, pastries and cakes having been heralded at the Scottish Baker of the Year awards many times before.
In January, Murrays also received a gold award for its quiche and bronze for its apple pie at the 2023 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards.
The bakery also clinched Craft Baker Of The Year at the Scottish Bakers – Customer Choice Awards 2020/21.
The winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner at the Hilton in Glasgow on Saturday, May 6, which Jim and his family hope to attend - but the baking always comes first.
“We plan to be there as a family if everything lines up,” he said.
“The bakery will always come first but as well as my wife there are also the next generation of family who’d love to be there with us.
“The exciting thing is not just to win an award but also to meet others in the trade who get the same buzz as we do.”
“With 630 products entered, reaching the shortlist of this competition really is something to be very proud of,” said Alasdair Smith of Scottish Bakers, who organise the competition. “We really do wish all of our shortlisted entrants the best of luck when the prizes are presented in May.”
