WEST FIFE butcher Johnston’s has been named as having some of the best pies in Scotland.

Dunfermline High Street butchers Thomas Johnston scooped a Diamond Award in the Scottish Craft Butchers Savoury Pastry Products 2018.

It’s the highest possible recognition from the industry evaluator.

The butcher also secured Gold Awards for their Scotch and Balmoral pies and a Silver Award for their steak pies.

Richard Johnston, who runs the family butchers with his brother, Graeme, said the Diamond win was a perfect start to the new year.

“This is the ultimate accolade,” he said. “To be assessed by an independent panel of industry judges gives credibility to a product and I’m thrilled to lift this double title.”

The butcher’s business, which has seven shops, was started by Richard’s great-grandfather in 1861.

“He started selling meat from his farm from the back of a cart parked near the town steeple and then opened his butchers shop there,” said Richard. “Generations of Johnstons have been running it ever since.

“These recipes are traditional family ones which have evolved to reflect changing tastes over the years.”