THE search is on for the best Scotch Pie in the world - and to kick-off the competition, the public is being asked to get involved.

Scottish Bakers has announced the dates for the 19th World Championship Scotch Pie Awards and to mark the start of this year’s search, the public have been asked to ‘post a pie selfie’ of their perfect pie moment.

Pie fans are being asked to follow @ScotchPieAwards on Facebook and Twitter and post a photo of themselves having a perfect pie moment and with a bit of detail about why they think that.

“All they ask is that entries are family friendly and the best snap will be announced when the World Champion Scotch Pie is revealed in January 2018.

“Sweet or savoury, hot or cold, veggie or meat-packed? Butchers and bakers up and down the land have been pushing the boundaries of pie perfection for a long time but this year we wanted to see how the public like to enjoy their pies,” says Scottish Bakers President Craig McPhie.

“For the first time ever, we are asking pie lovers around the world to show exactly how they like to enjoy their pie by sharing their pie pics! Simply follow @ScotchPieAwards on Facebook and Twitter and post your pic.”

And in the meantime, butchers and bakers throughout the land have until Tuesday, October 31 to enter their prized pie creations into the most prestigious pie competition in the land at www.worldchampionshipscotchpieawards.org.

And The World Championship Scotch Pie Awards is also delighted to announce the return of the popular macaroni pie category.

Ian Nelson, head judge said: “The macaroni pie is a unique Scottish product and last year we wanted to recognise this.

“The new category was so popular that we have brought it back again.”

Judging for the competition will take place on Wednesday, November 15.

The winner will be announced at a prestigious luncheon on January 9, 2018 at the Westerwood Hotel, Cumbernauld.