The black pudding served up by Nigel Ovens of Merans T McCaskie passed the taste test after winning the 2016 West of Scotland Black Pudding championships.

It is the third time that the Wemyss Bay butcher has claimed the accolade and his traditional Scottish dish will now represent the region at the Scottish final next month.

Douglas Scott, the chief executive of the Scottish Craft Butcher, congratulated the butcher shop for their success.

He said: "Scottish butchers develop their meat products in consultation with customers. Their feedback is very important and butchers can react quickly to changing consumer tastes since in most cases they make their pudding on the premises.

"The competition once again showcased the high levels of skill and pride in product among the independent butcher's sector.

"I am certain that this event confirms to customers that it is worth making the effort to shop at their local butcher."

Before the final takes place, the black pudding will be purchased by a mystery shopper and tested against teh winners from the other four regions of Scotland.

A panel of experts will then decided who has the best butcher's Black Pudding for Scotland 2016.

Mearns T McCaskie are also the current Scottish champion haggis makers and West of Scotland Pork Sausage Champions.