Scotland's best Scotch pie & haggis revealed as butcher scoops world champion double crown
A SCOT has been dubbed 'Butcher King of the World' after bagging two prestigious accolades in a global championship.
Nigel Ovens, third-generation owner of McCaskie's Butchers at Wemyss Bay, scooped respective awards for his Scotch pies and haggis.
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Award-winning butcher Nigel Ovens tosses his haggis in the air
Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency
The meat merchant picked up the trophy at Sunday's Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair in Perth.
Commenting on the win, he said: 'This is the culmination of a lifetime's work to perfect our haggis recipe.
'I've spent years watching, tasting, tweaking and learning from others and I'm absolutely thrilled to be lifting the World Championship – it's a dream come true.'
Nigel's haggis won the Scottish Championship ten years ago.
And he is determined not to change the recipe as he battled the best in the country for the world title.
However Nigel teased foodies with a sneak peek into his award-winning formula.
He revealed: 'Let's just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal.
"But after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I'll keep the rest a secret.'
Nigel hailed his 24-strong team at Wemyss Bay who work to ensure that his haggis is enjoyed by customers across the UK.
The proud butcher added: "Haggis is no longer a Burns Night and burst product.'
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'It is a versatile foodstuff used to create a multitude of haggis products enjoyed throughout the year.
'It's one of Scotland's most iconic products and this World Haggis Championship title is the one that every butcher in the country aspires to.
'This means so much to me. It literally is a lifetime's achievement – I'm so honoured, so humbled and so thrilled.'
Louise Harley from championship sponsor Grampian Oat Products added her congratulations to McCaskie's after playing her part on the judging panel.
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Third-generation owner of McCaskie's Butchers Nigel Ovens is all smiles
Credit: © Perthshire Picture Agency
She said: 'It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event as both a judge and a sponsor.'
'The standard was incredibly high and although scoring was tight, we congratulate Nigel Ovens and McCaskie's on an outstanding product.
'Oats are an integral part of the haggis recipe and Grampian Oat Products was delighted to sponsor the World Championships again this year.'
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