THE makers of the award-winning 'Killie Pie' are rebranding their meat and pastry masterpiece while a legal battle over who owns the trademark drags on.

Brownings the Bakers have been looked in a bitter dispute with Kilmarnock Football Club over who owns the name of the pie after their 13-year contract to supply match day catering came to an end.

The company wanted to keep using the brand, but the club insists that is their trademark, and now the bakers say that their pie will henceforth be known as the 'Kilmarnock Pie.'

However, the firm is not cashing in its chips and insists that the name change is temporary while the courtroom battle is underway.

The Killie pie is famous among football fans for its status among the best matchday fare in Scotland, and has twice been awarded the best pie in Scotland prize.

As well as selling the pies at matches, Brownings have a retail version which cane be found in supermarkets including Waitrose and Aldi.

Brownings Managing Director, John Gall, said: "I hope that by renaming our pie the Kilmarnock Pie and making its origins clearer to people outwith the town, that Kilmarnock can become as well known for its pies, as Forfar is for its bridies and Arbroath is for its Smokies.

"The recipe will stay the same with Brownings secret blend of gravy and seasonings along with the finest cuts of meat."

Tracy Murray, Chairwoman of Kilmarnock Business Association said: "I think it’s fantastic that Brownings are renaming their pie to the Kilmarnock Pie. The Pie may be known locally but a lot of people don’t make the link between ‘Killie’ and the town, so it’s great that a local company are helping raise awareness of Kilmarnock and trying to help boost the local economy."

The mark the launch of the Kilmarnock Pie, the bakers plan to dote 10 per cent from every pie sold from their won shops in the first week to the Ayrshire Samaritans charity.

Councillor Jim Todd, Provost of East Ayrshire, said: "Brownings the Bakers are a very successful local business, and are a great ambassador for Kilmarnock, employing over 200 local employees.

"Brownings have been awarded the best savoury pie in Scotland two years running which is testament to John Gall and his bakery.

"I would like to thank Brownings for the generous donation toward my chosen charity, Ayrshire Samaritans; this will go towards helping a great cause. Kilmarnock has a lot to be proud of and the award winning Kilmarnock Pie is definitely one thing worth returning for."

Kilmarnock FC began legal moves to fight the Brownings bid to call the 'Killie Pie' their own, employing trademark attorneys Marks & Clerk to protect the brand last month.

The club insists that the name belongs to them, stating that Brownings were not even the first baker to make the Killie Pie.

A spokeswoman confirmed that the legal fight is ongoing.