A POPULAR butcher's shop in Largs received a surprise visit from Rab C Nesbitt star Gregor Fisher, fresh after winning their latest award.

AD Paton's won a gold award for their famous slice sausage from Scottish Craft Butchers and that was followed by Gregor Fisher, who also starred in BBC classic comedies including Naked Video and Para Handy Tales, popping in to try out some of the mouth-watering produce on offer.

AD Paton's has been a family firm since the 1840s in Largs and is run by Scott Paton, who told the News that there was double delight by bagging an award and then the high profile visit from the famous actor into the bargain.

The 70-year-old elder statesman in the acting profession has had a marvellous career, including film appearances in Without a Clue, Love Actually, The Merchant of Venice and the modern day remake of Whisky Galore.

Rab C Nesbitt was a huge hit in the 1980s and 90s on BBC1 around the UKRab C Nesbitt was a huge hit in the 1980s and 90s on BBC1 around the UK (Image: BBC)

Scott and staff were delighted to meet the well known actor and have some chat with him as he was buying his goods.

He said: "It was a really nice surprise just after winning the award to see him pop in. He had said he was visiting a local opticians, and thought he would pop in.

"The Scottish Craft Butchers runs every two years, and there were only 12 golds issued in Scotland this year, and we won one of them, so we are really pleased about that.

"It is a family recipe that has been passed down over the years with a few modern day tweaks. It is a traditional Scottish slice sausage and we do it a bit finer, and it is, of course, a traditional Scottish cuisine, so we are over the moon about that.

(Image: AD Paton) "And then Gregor Fisher popped in and bought quite a lot of stuff, and one of our boys asked him if he could get a wee photo - Gerry McArthur was pictured alongside him, and served him."

Gerry said: "Gregor was on top form, and he wanted some ham roll, and he said 'It's all well seeing you don't eat any, as you are too skinny!' so he was very funny.

"It was great to see him, and hopefully he will pop in again!"


Scott added: "Given it was the same day that we won the award, it was perfect timing! We have had a few celebrities over the years and the late Andy Goram, legendary Rangers keeper, used to be a regular customer.

"It has been a difficult summer weather wise with the barbecue season not really taking off but people have still been buying other things, and the cafes and bars have been busy, and we have had a decent turn."