PIE lovers in the Borders have known for years just how good the products served at a Jedburgh butcher's is.

And now it is official.

AJ Learmonth's has been presented with a Gold Award for its scrumptious Steak, Bacon and Haggis Pie at the recent Scottish Craft Butchers Award.

The High Street butcher's also won Silver Awards for both its Traditional Steak Pie and its Mince Round.

More than 250 pies were sampled at the heats at Forth Valley College last month.

As well as taste, each pie is scored on appearance, filling and appeal.

The panel of judges included experts, food writers and interested consumers.

The event is organised by the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders in conjunction with sponsors Lucas Ingredients and William Sword Ltd.

Judith Johnston of Lucas Ingredients, who sponsor the Steak Pie evaluation, said: "We are delighted to be associated with an evaluation that encourages butchers to perfect their pies.

"We know the importance of developing tastes that appeal to the modern consumer and events that constantly drive up standards are crucial to this aim.

“These awards offer a fantastic opportunity to see the energy, enthusiasm and skill our butchers have. Their commitment to producing top quality meat products points to a bright future for the industry.”

There was further Borders success with Graham Sanderson in Coldstream being awarded Silver for its Mince Round, its Steak and Kidney Pie, and its Traditional Steak Pie.

David Mooney from sponsors William Sword added: “These awards are extremely important in the Scottish meat industry calendar, celebrating excellence across the board.

"To receive an award is a fantastic achievement as these winners represent the upper crust of the Scottish meat industry, tremendous given the high standard of produce across Scotland as a whole. "