Two North Ayrshire bakeries have been shortlisted for this year’s Scottish Baker of the Year awards.

Irvines Bakers of Beith and The Kandy Bar of Saltcoats are both in the running to be named the best bakery in the country.

Other than the main prize of the night there are also awards for the best scones, loaves, savoury items, morning rolls, individual cakes, biscuits, French and Danish style pastries as well as free-from bread, biscuits and cakes.

Organised by Scottish Bakers, the awards received over 630 submissions from 70 bakeries – with each bakery presenting 12 items of baked goods - which were tasted by 50 industry experts who evaluated their appearance, baking quality, and taste.

Scottish Bakers' chief executive Alasdair Smith said: “With 630 products entered, reaching the shortlist of this competition really is something to be very proud of.

“We really do wish all of our shortlisted entrants the best of luck when the prizes are presented in May.”

Earlier this year Irvines Bakers won three prizes at the Scotch Pie Awards while The Kandy Bar is a Three Town's favourite and one of the highest rated bakeries in the area on Tripadvisor and Facebook.

Winners will be announced during a ceremony at the Hilton in Glasgow on Saturday May 6.