A trio of chip shops in the north of Scotland are in the running to be crowned the best in the UK.
Moray’s Fochabers Fish Bar, The Trawler in Golspie and Cameron’s Chip Shop on Stornoway have been shortlisted for a top prize in the 2016 National Fish and Chip Awards.
The takeaways are among 60 in contention for the title of independent takeaway fish and chip shop of the year.
Industry experts will descend on the outlets over the coming weeks to sample their suppers and decide on the 20 best regional candidates.
Darren Boothroyd, a former aircraft engineer, followed family tradition when he bought the Fochabers Fish Bar in 2013.
Mr Boothroyd, who is originally from Huddersfield in Yorkshire, said: “I took over the shop less than two years ago, after a 22-year career at RAF Lossiemouth.
“But my parents and my brother have had chip shops for years, and running the business seems to have come naturally to me.
“We always make sure to use quality local produce and I hope judges recognise that.”
Christie Gray has run the Trawler chipper in Golspie with wife Dawn for six years.
He says that his suppers are so sought-after that diners undertake epic journeys to enjoy them.
Mr Gray said: “We get a lot of passing trade due to our location on the main road.
“So people who have tried our suppers while travelling end up making journeys of 60 or 70 miles just to get a chippie.
“We’ve been nominated for this award the last three years, and we can see the standard getting higher each time.”
Owner of Cameron’s chip shop on Stornoway, Colin Cameron, said: “Last year’s winners were from Shetland so we’re hoping there’s some luck in being an island chip shop.
“The tourist season is great for us and we know we’re doing something right as we have a queue out the door every evening.”
The contest is being organised by fishing industry group Seafish, and yesterday its chief executive, Paul Williams, said the north outlets were battling for one of the sector’s “highest honours”.
Frankie’s Fish and Chips at Brae in Shetland won the award at the beginning of this year.
Owner Carlyn Kearney said: “Since winning we’ve experienced so many benefits – including having customers travel over 700 miles just to get a taste of our fish and chips.”
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London in January.