Three-quarters (75%) of Scots say steak pie isan important part of their Hogmanay and New Year’s Day traditions, with83% of people across Scotland planning to tuck into the dish this year.
A Make It Scotch survey of 1,000 Scots has ignited a debate aboutwhen steak pie should be enjoyed and what to drink with it.
Scots are divided about when to eat steak pie
While traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day, the Make It Scotchsurvey has found a third (34%) prefer to eat it on Hogmanay to kick start thecelebrations with friends and family (21%), as a meal before a big night out(7%) or enjoy it on their own (6%) before the bells. The research found thattwo-thirds (66%) of Scots plan on keeping tradition and will enjoy their steakpie on the first day of the year.
IRN-BRU is the nation’s favourite steak pie accompaniment
While Scots are united in their love of the traditional steak pie,some are washing it down with a more modern accompaniment. Beloved Scottishbeverage IRN-BRU came out on top as the drink of choice to enjoy with a steakpie for nearly a quarter (22%) of Scots – rising to a whopping 41% of those inStirling.
IRN-BRU overtakes Scotland’s national drink – adram of Scotch whisky
Scots planning on eating steak pie to welcome in 2024 are aslikely to wash it down with a dram of Scotch whisky (9.5%) as they are aglass of fizz from the continent – with 1 in 10 Scots saying they prefer toenjoy the dish with a glass of champagne or prosecco (9.2%).
Gordon Newlands, Scotch Butchers Club Manager, said: “With many of usreimagining how we celebrate the festive season, it’s heartening to see thatsome classic Scottish traditions haven’t been broken.
“For the majority of Scots, our research has shown steak pie is animportant part of Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations. Enjoying someScotch Beef steak pie can remind us of fond memories of feasting with friendsand family and remains a great way to welcome in the new year, whether on ourown or with those we love.
“Whether you’re buying a pie from your local butchers or you fancytrying to make it yourself from scratch, looking out for the Scotch logos andopting for Scotch Beef will ensure you’re plating up the best quality pie towelcome in 2024.”
Regional splitsacross Scotland
While most Scots are united in their fondness for traditionalsteak pie, this new research has also revealed some interesting regionalvariations across the country.
When asked if steak pie was an important part of theirHogmanay or New Year’s Day traditions, 84% of Glaswegians agreed versus just59% of people living in Inverness.
While 71% of people living in Perth prefer to eat their steak pieas part of a New Year’s Day feast with friends or family, just 37% ofAberdonians say this is their preferred way to enjoy the dish with as many as 1in 4 (25%) preferring to enjoy it on their own either before or after thebells.
Glaswegians are more likely than those living in other cities tosay they prefer to eat their steak pie before drinking on Hogmanay (10%). Incomparison, Aberdonians are more likely to eat it as a New Year’s Day hangovercure (8%) than those living in other Scottish cities.
When pairing a drink with their steak pie, the beverage of choicein Glasgow is beer (26%), whereas those in Perth were more likely than anyother Scottish city to prefer to pair their steak pie with a glass of champagneor prosecco (21%) and Scotch whisky is most popular in Inverness (12%).
Make It Scotch
For those seeking high-quality, local produce to make steak piethis festive period, Scotch Beef will have the ideal cut to suit. The ScotchBeef logo indicates that products are locally sourced from selected Scottishfarms that adopt best practices, including animal welfare and productionmethods, as well as supporting Scotland’s rural communities.
For budget-friendly recipes to inspire your festive feasting, visit www.makeitscotch.com and@makeitscotch on Instagram.
