It's set to be a battle of north versus south as two of Scotland's best chippies go head-to-head for the title of Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.
Frankie's Fish and Chips in Brae, Shetland and Moore's Fish and Chips in Castle Douglas, Dumfries and Galloway fought off competition from four other chippies to make the shortlist for the title at the National Fish and Chip Awards.
The two shops will now face an assessment and in-depth inspection by an industry judge, who will make an unannounced visit to the chippies, before frying for glory at the national final in January.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in The Lancaster London hotel on January 22 2014.
The awards, which are organised by Seafish, aim to recognise the quality and choice offered by fish and chip shops across the UK.
Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: "I would like to congratulate all of the area winners who will now contest for one of the respective 10 regional titles. Each stage of the judging process for the Independent Takeaway accolade further tests the competing businesses and the un-announced inspections by an industry expert will be no exception.
"Seafish have organised the awards for the past 26 years with the aim of showcasing the very best while setting increasingly high standards for the industry. This year's fish and chip shops have continued to rise to the challenge and we hope that they will reap the benefits for their great efforts."
Seafish will announce the top shop in each of the 10 UK regions for the flagship award in early October.
Calum Richardson, owner of The Bay Fish & Chips in Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, and last year's winner of the title, said: "Winning the Independent Takeaway Award was a massive achievement and represented a major milestone for us.
"The turnover of the shop has increased significantly; immediately after winning the UK title, we saw a 100% uplift on the previous year and we're busier than ever before.
"The National Fish & Chip Awards gives businesses the chance to challenge themselves and recognises the hard work and dedication that goes into everything from customer service and quality, to sustainability and great tasting fish and chips. It helps your business shine and it can really catapult your brand."
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