Brownings the Bakers
As a fourth-generation family bakery based in the heart of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, since 1945, Brownings has always been passionate about bringing great baking to its local community and beyond. Here, we speak to Brownings about its most famous product, the Kilmarnock Pie, and learn why it's so important to buy from and support Scottish producers.
Scottish Food & Drink September 2026
Tell us a little bit about Brownings, and what makes your bakery products so special.
What began as a small family business has grown into one of Scotland's best-loved traditional bakeries, but we're still incredibly proud of our roots and the values that have been passed down through generations.
We believe the secret to great baking is simple: quality ingredients, time-honoured recipes, and genuine care in everything we make. From morning rolls and potato scones to Scotch pies and our famous Kilmarnock Pie, every product is made to deliver the taste, tradition and warmth that people associate with Scottish baking. For us, it's about creating products that bring comfort, spark memories and give customers a little taste of home with every bite.
Brownings is famous for The Kilmarnock Pie – why is it so iconic? And can you tell us a little about Kilmarnock Pie Day?
The Kilmarnock Pie has come a long way from its beginnings as a match-day pie for Kilmarnock Football Club. What started as a pie for local football fans has become one of Scotland's most recognisable savoury favourites and something we're incredibly proud of. It's packed with quality ingredients, made to a recipe that's become famous in its own right, and has a real connection to the town that's on the label. Over the years it's picked up plenty of awards and fans far beyond Ayrshire, but at heart it'll always be a Kilmarnock pie. Today, you'll find it everywhere from Rugby Park to supermarket shelves across Scotland.
Kilmarnock Pie Day is our way of celebrating everything the pie represents. It's a chance to have a bit of fun, bring the community together and shine a spotlight on the town that made it famous. From football fans and schools to local charities, businesses and community groups, the day is all about celebrating local pride, raising money for good causes and proving that a humble pie can bring a lot of people together.
How has the wider Scottish food and drink industry shaped Brownings' business journey?
We're proud to be part of Scotland's fantastic food and drink community, and that support has played a huge role in our journey. From opportunities to work with major retailers to meeting fellow producers at industry events, we've benefited from being part of a sector that genuinely champions local businesses and celebrates quality food.
Industry recognition has certainly helped put Brownings on the map, with awards such as Scottish Baker of the Year and success at the World Scotch Pie Championships giving us a platform to share what we do with even more people. But for us, those achievements are really a reflection of the hard work of our team and Scotland's rich baking heritage. We're always delighted when our products win awards, but we're just as happy knowing they're being enjoyed in homes, workplaces and football grounds across the country.
Do you have any local partnerships or supplier relationships that you are proud of? And what does that connection say about how Scotland's food and drink sector works together?
We're incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Kilmarnock Football Club. The Kilmarnock Pie was originally created for the club, and what started as a match-day favourite has grown into something that people across Scotland recognise and enjoy. It's a great example of what can happen when local organisations work together and share a genuine connection to their community.
We're also proud to support Ayrshire Cancer Support as our Charity of the Year. They do amazing work for individuals and families affected by cancer across Ayrshire, providing practical and emotional support when it's needed most. Through initiatives such as Kilmarnock Pie Day and our wider fundraising activities, we're always looking for ways to give back, support local causes and help make a positive difference in the communities that support us.
For us, that's what Scotland's food and drink industry is all about. It's not just businesses working alongside each other, it's communities, charities, local organisations and people coming together to support one another and celebrate local success.
What makes Scottish produce so special, and why is it important for shoppers to support local producers?
Scotland punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink. We're lucky to have incredible produce on our doorstep, passionate farmers and growers, and generations of people who genuinely care about making things properly.
Supporting local producers isn't just about buying Scottish, it's about backing local jobs, local families and local communities. Every time someone picks up a product from a Scottish producer, they're helping to keep traditional skills alive and supporting businesses that are deeply rooted in the places they call home.
As a family bakery, we know how important that support is. We're proud to be part of Scotland's food and drink story, and we're equally proud when customers choose to support local businesses like Brownings. Great food always tastes better when you know the people, passion and hard work behind it. That's something Scotland has in abundance.
If someone takes a bite of a Brownings morning roll, potato scone, pie or scone, what story do you want it to tell them?
We'd love every bite to tell the story of where we've come from and the people who've helped get us here.
Whether it's an empire biscuit or a Kilmarnock Pie, we want people to taste the care, skill and craftsmanship that goes into making products day in, day out. Baking is something that's been passed down through generations in our family, and there are members of our team who have spent decades perfecting their craft, helping to keep those traditions alive.
More than anything, we want our products to feel honest. The kind of food that's been part of Scottish kitchens, breakfast tables and family gatherings for generations. If someone takes a bite and it reminds them of home, brings back a memory, or simply makes them smile, then we've done our job. That’s what great family baking is all about.
