A Family Tree of Bakers
The famous Burnett’s Bro’s - second generation John and William - in 1898 began the empire which became Burnett’s bakery, Inverness.
Burnett's celebration cakes.
Burnett's retail bakery outlets.
Burnett's first motorised van.
This was taken on by the third generation (also William and John) and where Harry (second from the right) served his apprenticeship before becoming Confectionery Manager.
Michael Gourlay was the man who stood next to Harry in the bakery when the doors first opened in July 1979 when there were just 4 employees (including Harry). He loyally served as Production Manager for 30 years until he retired in 2009.
The birth of the brand.
Initial bakery construction.
Harry with his young apprentice Calum in the days before hair nets! Calum now has 30+ years experience and has the know-how to do any cake design our customers are capable of dreaming up!
The bakery and shop in the days before the luxury of Tarmac!
Ahead of its time. The super-duper walk-on takeaway van, just like a shop on wheels!
Demand for Harry Gow products had already outgrown space - the portacabin became the confectionery.
A young David Gow looking rather continental while serving part of his Belgium-based apprenticeship.
At the request of Madonna this hand sculpted grand piano cake was made as a gift for one of her performers (possibly Sting) at her wedding. The pictures of it went worldwide.
One of our many fundraising evenings demonstrating artisan bread and fine gateaux work.
Winner of the Epilepsy Scotland Employer of the Year 2003 presented by Jackie Bird. Harry achieved this by showing compassion and going out of his way to accommodate epilepsy sufferers in a working environment.
Crowned first ever Scottish Baker of the Year in 2012 presented by Paul Hollywood. This was the culmination of the hard work shown by Harry and his 60+ years in the trade, his family and the loyal staff which have surrounded him for 30+ years.
We rebranded, and rolled out the new brand in our shops, on all our delivery vehicles and across our product packaging, giving Harry Gow a fresh new look.
Harry celebrated his 80th birthday with the rest of the Gow family and friends!
Harry and some of the HGB team showing off our award winning products. The Pineapple Tart won Best Cake in Scotland and for the second year in a row the Curry Pie came away with Best Savoury in Scotland 🏆
Co-op stores started stocking Harry Gow products across the Highlands of Scotland.
We won three Scottish Baker of the Year Awards including Best Cake (Strawberry Tart), Best Savoury (Curry Pie) and Best Celebration Cake.
We made thousands of Dream Rings for the cyclists that completed the Etape Loch Ness, one of Scotland's most popular sporting events!
