Scotch Pies Resplendent With Highland Horns Proving Huge Hit

A Perthshire baker has developed a limited edition Scotch Pie, resplendent with impressive Highland horns.

The unusual “Heilan” version of the traditional Scotch Pie is proving a huge hit with customers of Campbell’s Bakery in King Street in Crieff.

And orders for the unusual Scotch Pie, made using Highland Scotch Beef  supplied by Simon Howie Butchers, have come from as far afield as Inverness.

Iain Campbell (pictured), seventh generation of the family which established the baker’s business in 1830, said the Scotch Pies have been created to celebrate the Crieff and Strathearn Drovers' Tryst.

This annual event celebrates the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s.

Campbell’s employs 20 staff and typically sells around 2000 Scotch Pies each week with the family-run business taking a great deal of pride in producing top quality products.

“To make a great Scotch Pie you have to get a great many factors right. This is a really meaty pie but you also need the shell to be just right and the seasoning’s vital too,” said Iain Campbell, Managing Director.

Crafting and baking each resplendent pair of pastry horns for the “Heilan” edition Scotch Pies posed a challenge for the Campbell’s team but after extensive trials they perfected the recipe and cooking technique.

Campbell’s will also be giving away mini Heilan Scotch Pies at events during the week as part of National Craft Baker week (October 8 - 13), raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Quality Meat Scotland chairman, Jim McLaren, who farms beside Crieff, said the impressive Scotch Pies were a great initiative from the 180 year old bakers’ business.

“This is an excellent example of innovation as well as being great fun! As with our butchers, Scottish bakers are fabulous craftsmen and this is a fun example of  the successful combination of enviable heritage and traditional skills with creativity.”

The modern day Tryst is run by volunteers and this week’s programme is built around guided walks in the stunning scenery and autumn colours of Strathearn and surrounding areas of Perthshire.