A MUSSELBURGH takeaway is in the running to be named the Best Kebab House in Scotland.

The Frying Scotsman on North High Street has been shortlisted for the accolade in the eighth British Kebab Awards, in association with Just Eat.

The awards recognise and champion the efforts of local kebab takeaways and restaurants across the nation – a diverse and growing industry that helps contribute more than £4.5 billion to the UK economy.

The Frying Scotsman is owned by 35-year-old Besnik Hajdari, a dad-of-two from Craigmillar, and his brother-in-law, dad-of-five Rafet Statovci, 42, a Musselburgh resident for the past 20 years.

Both are originally from Kosovo. The Musselburgh takeaway, which they launched in August last year, is their first business venture together.

They are hoping to taste success at the awards ceremony at the Westminster Bridge Park Plaza Hotel in London on March 3.

More than 1,000 guests will be joined by celebrities, politicians and journalists for the glamorous event, which features live entertainment.

Judges include industry experts and politicians, and nominations are taken from the public, local politicians and kebab businesses.

Besnik said: “I am grateful to reach the final because we are nominated by customers.

“I have lived in Scotland since 2008 and have worked in the food industry since then.

“Making food is my passion and I love to work hard to make our customers happy. We make salads, pizza dough and sauces fresh every single day using the best quality ingredients.”

On the menu for customers are chicken kebabs, doner kebabs, lamb shish and kofta kebabs.

Besnik worked for Javits Takeaway at Gilmerton for 10 years, during which time he was shortlisted for the Best Chef of the Year title in the British Kebab Awards.

He added: “What great news for us that the Frying Scotsman has been shortlisted for Best Kebab House in Scotland, and we would be proud to win this award for Musselburgh.”

Voting closes on Monday – to vote, go to voting.britishkebabawards.com/the-frying-scotsman-musselburgh3051