THE Kandy Bar is in top ten Scottish bakeries of the year and will be in the running to be Bakery of the Year at an event this weekend.

The North Ayrshire business will be looking to add to their World Scotch Pie Championship crown with another prestigious award.

15,000 customers from across Scotland voted for their favourite bakery products across seven categories and on March 31, more than 110 bakers delivered 600 of the most popular products in the land for scrutiny by a panel of 50 expert and independent judges.

With a sea of scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes, biscuits and specialities, the judges had a hard task tasting each and every item to shortlist the best products in the land.

Now the judges have spoken and 10 of the best bakers have been selected to go forward to the final judging stage.

The bakers now undergo a video interview in their bakeries and the judges will make their decision on who will be crowned Scottish Baker of the Year 2016.

TV judge and celebrity cake-designer Mich Turner MBE, who will be presenting the awards which will be announced on May 7 said “It is a strong short list this year, some great businesses are in with a shot. I look forward to being surprised and delighted when I announce the winners in Glasgow.”

2015 winner Gordon McGhee of craft bakery and family owned business McGhees Bakery said “since winning, our business has gone from strength to strength and we have been able to share our success with all of our customers by continuing to provide the best baked goods day in and day out. We wish everyone all the best in this year’s competition.”

The final results will remain a closely guarded secret until May 7 when Mich will announce the results and also crown the Scottish Baker of the Year 2016.

Chief Executive of Scottish Bakers Alan Clarke said: “we have been delighted by the response from customers and from bakers for this year’s competition. It highlights the fantastic work that bakers do day in and day out across Scotland.

“The competition aims to highlight and promote this work and I am confident that any one of our 10 shortlisted finalists will make a worthy winner for 2016.”

Scottish Bakers was established in 1891 and since then have represented and promoted the interests of the bakery trade in Scotland. They aim to be an integral part of each member’s business by providing support for Bakers of all sizes. They provide a valuable source of help, advice, information, assistance and skills development for bakers throughout Scotland.

Most importantly, Scottish Bakers belongs to its members and exist for their benefit. They are proud of their motto “for the good of all.”