Annan bakers tastes success at Scottish Baker of the Year Awards

It’s a high five for family-run Annan bakery T A Francis & Son at this year’s Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2024/25.

With a history of producing fresh baked goods since 1913, and a string of awards over the years, the team have added to their haul.

They struck gold for best roll in the Edinburgh, Lothians and Southern Scotland with their Gi roll, as well as regional silver awards for its white morning roll, chia bread and macaroni pie; and a bronze regional award for its steak and haggis pie.

Tom Francis said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our awards. It’s one thing to have confidence in our products, but to have that validation from both customers and industry experts is truly the icing on the cake.

“We brought back five awards and are chuffed to bits.

“It couldn’t be done without our talented team and our loyal customers. We are blessed to have both.”

The Scottish Baker of the Year Awards celebrated the finest in Scottish baking.

With nearly 600 entries from over 60 bakers across the nation, the competition was fierce and the winners were announced at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow at the weekend.

The Little Bakery of Dumfries had success with its tin loaf winning a best in region bronze award in the Edinburgh, Lothians and Southern Scotland and Irving’s Homestyle Bakery Ltd of Castle Douglas took the best individual cake award for their millionaire shortbread, which also won best in Scotland and best in region gold awards.

The bakery also won a regional bronze award for their raspberry and white chocolate oaties.

John Gillespie & Sons Ltd of Stranraer won a regional silver award for their toffee cake.

Michelle Phillips, the newly installed president of Scottish Bakers, added: “All winners should feel incredibly proud of their achievements. We anticipate that these well-deserved accolades will not only honour their hard work but also contribute significantly to their business growth. Congratulations to all our deserving winners.”