AN AWARD-WINNING Wemyss Bay butcher is leading calls for the humble black pudding to be put on an equal footing with Scotland’s national dish.

Nigel Ovens from McCaskie’s says Scottish butchers should be “shouting from the rooftops” about their recipe for the savoury treat – which will enjoy its first ever national day next week.

Monday, March 18 has been chosen as National Black Pudding Day, and Nigel says there are just as many reasons to celebrate the black pudding as there are to venerate the much-loved haggis.

McCaskie’s carried off the title of National Black Pudding Champion in 2023, and the family firm sells its speciality ‘superfood’ to customers across the country.

Nigel said: “Black pudding is one of the most important butchers’ traditional staples in Scotland and people should be proud of this heritage food and celebrate it in style.

“As with haggis, every butcher has their own recipe for black pudding, and every country has its own specific version.

“Black pudding is now enjoying 'superfood' status and we should be shouting about it from the rooftops.

“A national day of recognition will bring butchers and the public together in a celebration of this food hero.” 

Butchers across Scotland are now fine-tuning their recipes in the hope of being crowned the country’s black pudding champion for 2024 in May.

George Jarron, president of the Scottish Craft Butchers organisation, said: “Scottish butchers are at the forefront of making the very best black pudding in the world, using the highest quality ingredients and traditional skills.

“They have an incredible passion for crafting the very best and the Scottish Black Pudding Championship is an accolade we all aspire to.

“It will be wonderful to see everyone celebrate National Black Pudding Day next Monday and then knuckle down to perfecting their recipes for the championship judging in May.”

Five Scottish regional champions will be do battle for the national championship on May 2.