The Townhead Café, in the Scottish Borders town of Biggar, has been crowned the UK’s best fish and chip shop at the finals of the national Fish and Chip Shop of the Year competition, today.

Gordon and Sandra Hillan, owners of the chippy, received the award from celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriott, at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. The last time a Scottish champion achieved the national accolade was in 1998.

Hillan has worked in the fish and chips' industry for nearly 30 years, learning the ropes from his dad, a cook in the merchant navy, from the tender age of 16.

Following several rounds of judging, including a mystery shopper visit, the outcome was finally decided after a round of presentations to a panel of industry experts.

For the first time in the competition’s history, entrants were judged on their commitment to building a sustainable future for the industry. Points were given to shops according to their use of sustainable species and the measures they have in place to encourage customers to try something new.

Hillan embraces the issue of sustainable sourcing, prominently displaying the source of the seafood he serves throughout the shop and using posters to tempt hungry customers to taste alternatives to cod such as hake and pollack.

He said: “We don't use cod; haddock from the Shetlands is in plentiful supply at the moment. I always check down the supply chain that everyone is conforming to sustainable practice. Running the shop is hard work but this victory proves it’s worth all the effort.”

Ainsley Harriott added: "It’s great to see that shops are adopting sustainable practices and their commitment to introducing customers to some of the delicious alternative species our hard-working fisherman have to offer. It’s an example that everyone should follow.”

Andy’s Fish Bar in Swadlincote, Derbyshire came second in the competition with Seniors in Thornton Cleveleys following closely in third place.

The competition, run by industry body, Seafish, is in its 20th year and celebrates the nation’s favourite takeaway. According to Seafish, there are 255 million portions of fish and chips sold every year, outselling Indian takeaways by around two to one.

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