Scottish 'butcher king' wins two world championships in one weekend

A SCOTTISH butcher has been dubbed the “Butcher King of the World” after winning both the world haggis and the world Scotch pie championships on the same weekend.

Nigel Ovens took his first title – of world champion Scotch pie – at the 2025 World Championship Scotch Pie Awards at the Hilton in Glasgow on Saturday.

The 25th anniversary of the grand prize event saw 50 expert judges assess more than 500 products from 88 different butchers, with prizes for everything from macaroni pies to bridies.

Ovens, representing James Pirie and Sons, took home the top Scotch pie prize – as well as a gold award for their steak pie.

And on Sunday, in Perth, Ovens then took home the world championship title for his haggis at the Scottish Craft Butchers Trade Fair.

Ovens took home that award for McCaskie’s Butchers in Wemyss Bay, beating 55 other producers.

Nigel Ovens with his world champion haggis trophy (Image: Supplied) McCaskie’s Butchers completed the purchase of James Pirie and Sons butchers, in Newtyle in Angus, in April last year, our sister paper the Largs and Millport News reported.

Responding to the haggis prize, Ovens 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.”

Asked to reveal his recipe, Ovens remained understandably tight-lipped. 

“Let’s just say lamb fat probably helps sweeten the haggis and give it broader appeal,” he said. “But after a lifetime spent perfecting the recipe, I’ll keep the rest a secret.”

Lesley Cameron, the chief executive of Scottish Bakers, said: "This year marks a significant milestone as we celebrate 25 years of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards. 

“It’s a true testament to the passion, skill, and dedication of our butchers, bakers, and pie makers who continue to set the standard for quality and innovation in our industry. 

“Our winners should be incredibly proud – to stand out in such a fiercely competitive field is an outstanding achievement.”

Carol Smillie joins the winning butchers on stage at the Scotch pie awards (Image: Supplied) TV host Carol Smillie, who presented the awards, added: "I am always thrilled to be part of the World Championship Scotch Pie Awards, celebrating the incredible talent and dedication of Scotland’s butchers, bakers and pie makers. 

“Every year, I am amazed by the passion and craftsmanship that goes into creating these delicious pies, and it’s fantastic to see both familiar faces and exciting new talent taking part. The high standard of entries proves that the industry continues to thrive, with more professionals than ever showcasing their skills. 

“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, your hard work and commitment to quality truly deserve to be recognised."