COUNTY butchers have received national recognition for their pies at the Scottish Craft Butchers Awards.

Linton Butchers on East Linton High Street won three awards – two gold and a silver – at the ceremony on Monday evening.

It claimed gold for its mince round and traditional steak pie, while its steak and kidney pie scooped a silver prize.

And the county success continued as Anderson Quality Butcher of North Berwick picked up two silver awards, for its traditional steak pie and game pie.

Moya Anderson, whose husband Ryan runs the butchers on North Berwick High Street, told the Courier they were “delighted”.

And on the game pie, she said: “Ryan is particularly proud of this product – delicious pastry and filling showcasing local pheasant and venison and filled to the brim with a rich ‘secret’ sauce.”

The heats were held last month with more than 250 pies from across Scotland tested.

Judith Johnston of Lucas Ingredients, sponsors of the Steak Pie Evaluation said: “We are delighted to be associated with an evaluation that encourages butchers to perfect their pies. These awards offer a fantastic opportunity to see the energy, enthusiasm and skill our butchers have. Their commitment to producing top quality meat products points to a bright future for the industry.”