Scotland’s bakery sector came together today at Fife College, Dunfermline in a spectacular celebration of skill, creativity and jam filled ambition at the Scottish Baker of the Year 2026 Empire Biscuit Challenge. The event marked the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards, which will take place in May 2026.
Hosted by Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins, the high energy challenge saw four bakeries go head to head to create the world’s largest Empire Biscuit, and attempt to break an unofficial world record.
Industry Icons Harry Gow and McGhee’s competed against Local Heroes Company Bakery and John Gillespie & Sons, pushing the limits of scale and structure in a bold test of baking expertise.
An expert judging panel crowned Industry Icon Harry Gow the “Empire Biscuit Champion” for their incredible 78 inches Empire Biscuit, claiming the title of the largest Empire Biscuit ever created. The victory adds to Harry Gow’s impressive credentials as previous Scottish Baker of the Year winners.
David Gow, Managing Director at Harry Gow Bakery, said: “Being part of the Empire Biscuit Challenge has been an absolute blast. The scale, the detail, the friendly rivalry, it was all amazing. Huge congratulations to everyone who took part, and we’re delighted to bring the win home for the Icons today!”
Peter Sawkins, The Great British Bake Off winner 2020 and host of the Empire Biscuit Challenge, added: “There was such a great atmosphere throughout the day, competitive, yes, but also incredibly supportive. Everyone involved should be proud of what they achieved. It’s events like this that remind you how strong and connected the Scottish baking community really is.”
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Lesley Cameron, CEO at Scottish Bakers, commented: “What a brilliant day celebrating the incredible talent across Scotland’s baking industry. Whether you’re a Local Hero or an Icon, today was about pushing creativity, precision, and teamwork to the next level. We’d also like to thank our Awards Partner BAKO, the leading supplier of Bakery Products and Ingredients servicing customers across the UK, for their invaluable support. Congratulations to our winners and to every baker who took part, you’ve made history and made Scotland very, very jammy.”McGhees and Company Bakery are donating their empire biscuits to local food banks, while Harry Gow and John Gillespie & Sons have gifted their empire biscuits for Fife College to enjoy.
The Empire Biscuit Challenge officially launches the new look Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026, a one day and night competition celebrating excellence across Scotland’s bakery sector. Driven by industry insight and expert judging, the awards aim to boost bakery pride, unite bakers, and raise consumer awareness of the skill behind Scotland’s baking.
Entries for the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026 are now open. Bakeries across Scotland are invited to enter. Find out more and enter at https://bakeroftheyear.scot/.
