31-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Thousands raised after death of Scots baker and family man
Aberdeenshire native Steven Buchan, who founded the bakery in 2019, died earlier this week at the age of 33, leaving behind his wife Zoe and three young children.
An outpouring of support for the family has seen thousands of pounds raised via JustGiving.
As of 2.40 PM on Thursday, £15,045 had been donated, in less than one day.
Zoe Buchan said: "I lost my beautiful husband Steve suddenly and unexpectedly this week. As most of you will know he was the Vegan Bay Baker. He leaves behind myself and our three beautiful children.
"I am hoping to raise enough money to give him the funeral he deserves and to have for our children. I am so overwhelmed by all the offers of support and help, all the lovely messages I've had.
"I really appreciate everyone who has been so kind, sharing stories of him, how wonderful he was, he was the best daddy to our kids and husband to me. We already miss him so much."
Childhood friends Steven and Zoe grew up in the small town of Balmedie, ten miles north of Aberdeen.
The couple set up Scotland's first vegan craft bakery from their kitchen table, eventually expanding to brick and mortar locations in Aberdeen, Balmedie, and Peterhead.
In 2022, the shop was honoured at the Scottish Bakers Awards, winning top prize for their sourdough bread.
Five hundred people have contributed to the fund, including fellow Aberdeen pastry shop Bandit Bakery, who donated £200, as did Ellon-based pizza restaurant The Gaff and Peterculter artisans Crust Bakery.
Anna Smith said on Facebook: "I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Steven kindly delivered us some delicious food during lockdown and really made my little boy so happy he could enjoy croissants and cakes for the first time with his dairy allergy."
Rebekilla Duncan added: "My family and I met Steven in the Banchory food market a few years ago and he was so wonderful. It was the first time my daughter who has severe allergies could eat a croissant, he made her so happy and we ended up talking to Steven for a while about his business and how wonderful his products were."
