JUDGING day for the annual Scottish Baker of the Year has arrived in Dunfermline with bakers across the country hoping their entries are a recipe for success.

An independent panel of judges, with the help of singing star Michelle McManus and professional wrestling pal Grado, will sieve through plates of delights from Shetland to Stranraer, as they filter the entries down into a palatable final shortlist at 1.30pm today (Wednesday) at Carnegie Conference Centre, before the overall winner is announced in May.

The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards are the brainchild of Scottish Bakers, the Trade Association for bakers in Scotland, who decided to search for the best baker in the land in 2012.

Now in its sixth year, the competition celebrates the love of tasty treats from local bakers and aims to crown just one hard working bakery Scottish Baker of the Year.

Alan Clarke, Scottish Bakers', said: “With thousands upon thousands of pies, scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes and biscuits sold in Scotland every day, our bakers work hard to keep us all going.

“This competition is based on real votes from real customers and every vote really has counted in drawing up the list of products invited through to the professional judging stage – your local baker could take the title!”

The reigning Scottish Baker of the Year, Stephen McAllister, of the Kandy Bar, said: “Taking home this prestigious prize last year meant the world to us and, since winning, our business has gone from strength to strength. I hope the 2017 winner has the same success as we have enjoyed in the last 12 months so good luck to all of those shortlisted on the day.”

As part of the competition, prizes will also be awarded to the best Scone, Bread, Savoury, Individual Cake, Morning Roll and Biscuit in the land.

The winners will be announced at the Scottish Bakers national conference on May 5 and 6 at the Crowne Plaza, Glasgow.