A TASTY business formed after a trip to India has scooped a national award.

Melanie Auld set up Spice Pots after a life-changing trip in 1993.

The business, based at her home in Gullane, has now been crowned Savouries and Accompaniments champion for its Goan Blend at Scotland’s Food and Drink Excellence Awards.

A delighted Melanie told the Courier: “I was totally over the moon and very surprised.

“The other candidates I was up against were all awesome but I feel absolutely delighted to have won.

“This was the first year I have been to the awards and I was just delighted to be a finalist to be honest.”

The event, which is Scotland’s most prestigious food and drink awards, was presented by chef and television personality Simon Rimmer at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

Melanie said: “When I was about 19 I went to India and spent six months there.

“I learnt how to cook proper Indian curries and food, which I did when I came back and throughout my life here.

“I had three sons and all my spare time went out of the window.

“Spice Pots was a shortcut I developed for me and my family to cook good curries but much more quickly.

“I adapted the recipes to make it easier and quicker and they went down very well with friends and family.”

Four years ago, Spice Pots was officially launched with the four savoury blends – Korma, Bhuna, Tandoori Masala and Goan – joined by a sweet version which can be used in recipes including carrot cake and granola.

Melanie was inspired by cooking and food from a young age.

She said: “I have always loved cooking.

“I grew up near Dunbar and we had an amazing vegetable patch.

“That was a key part of my growing up – my dad growing fruit and vegetables and my mum cooking.

“I just learnt from them and even when I was tiny I had a cookery show in my treehouse.

“I think this was in me for a long time.”

The 44-year-old, who employs one member of staff on a part-time basis as well as help from others, is also looking to expand the business.

Currently, Spice Pots is split between her home in Gullane and a private business unit in the county.

However, she is looking to move to bigger premises and employ more staff.