We’ve always believed in doing things properly at Harry Gow. Turns out, that includes baking Empire Biscuits that are 78 inches long.
At the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026, we were crowned Empire Biscuit Champion after creating what is now the largest Empire Biscuit ever made!
The challenge took place at Fife College in Dunfermline and brought together some of Scotland’s finest bakers for a day of big ideas, bigger trays and an impressive amount of jam-fuelled ambition.
A Biscuit Built on Skill, Scale and Serious Teamwork
Hosted by Great British Bake Off winner Peter Sawkins, the Empire Biscuit Challenge saw four bakeries go head to head, all attempting to create a biscuit of truly heroic proportions.
We were proud to compete alongside McGhee’s, Company Bakery and John Gillespie & Sons, with everyone pushing the limits of what an Empire Biscuit can be without testing the structural integrity of the table beneath it.
Our winning biscuit came in at a mighty 78 inches, earning us the title of Empire Biscuit Champion and an unofficial world record to boot. Not bad for something that usually fits comfortably on a plate.
A Win That Means a Lot
For us, this wasn’t just about size. It was about skill, planning and the experience of a brilliant team who know their way around pastry, icing and pressure.
It was a day of friendly rivalry, incredible craftsmanship across the board, and a reminder of just how strong and connected the Scottish baking community is.
Winning on the day also added another chapter to our story as previous Scottish Baker of the Year winners, making the moment even sweeter.
More Than a Challenge
The Empire Biscuit Challenge marked the official launch of the Scottish Baker of the Year Awards 2026, a one-day and night competition celebrating excellence across Scotland’s bakery sector, with the awards set to take place this May.
It was a day full of energy, laughter and mutual respect, and a brilliant way to kick off another year of recognising the skill and dedication behind Scotland’s bakeries.
And in true community spirit, no biscuit went to waste. Some were donated to local food banks, while others were shared with students at Fife College, because if you’re going to bake something that big, it deserves to be enjoyed properly.
Proud, Grateful and Slightly Jammy
We’re incredibly proud of our team for pulling this off, grateful to Scottish Bakers for organising such a brilliant event, and quietly pleased to now live in a world where “Empire Biscuit Champion” is a real thing.
Thank you to everyone who took part, supported the day and cheered on bakers doing what they do best.
Now then.
Who’s hungry?