THREE North Ayrshire businesses have been shortlisted within the 2017 Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.

The Kandy Bar in Saltcoats, Irvine’s Bakers and Confections in Beith, and Beth Brownings in Kilwinning, are all set to win at least a Bronze Regional Award.

Over 11,000 customers from across Scotland voted for their favourite bakery products across six categories.

The Kandy Bar, which currently holds the Scottish Baker of the Year title, had five products shortlisted across four categories – Roll (two items), Savoury, Biscuit, and Cake.

Owner Stephen McAllister said: “It feels amazing to get the products shortlisted. It’s testament to the quality of The Kandy Bar products.

“I’m just pleased for everyone at team Kandy Bar. Thanks to all our customers for taking the time to vote for us.”

Irvine’s had three products nominated within the Cake, Savoury, and Scone sections.

Owner Maurice Irvine said: “We’re delighted. Everybody works very hard to get it right.

“We’re proud of our products. We’re proud that our peers have judged us as good enough to get into the shortlist.

“We’re very aware that our customers judge us every day.”

Beth Brownings was also shortlisted for three items – Savoury, Bread, and Roll.

Their manager George McMillan said: “Everybody’s ecstatic and can’t believe it.

“It’s amazing, this is only our second year entering it and the wall’s full of certificates. It just makes everybody work that bit harder. It keeps you on your toes, which is healthy. It’s good to have that extra competition.

“I’ve been here over 30 years and I’ve not changed a recipe. We don’t do anything different. Everything’s handcrafted.

“At the end of the day it’s the customers that got us here. We owe the customers a pat on the back.

“I’m ecstatic and Beth’s absolutely over the moon. It will be great just going to the awards ceremony.”

More than 850 of the most popular products were delivered to the judging of the 2017 Scottish Baker of the Year Awards.

The event in Dunfermline saw a panel of 56 expert and independent judges tasting, smelling and squishing every item to shortlist the best products.

Each of the categories were divided into three regions: Northern, Central and Southern Scotland. Within each category, the judges awarded regional Gold, Silver and Bronze. All of the regional winners were then judged on a national level.

Mich Turner MBE, Scottish Bakers Ambassador, will announce the results and crown the Scottish Baker of the Year 2017 on May 6.