Three-quarters (75%) of Scots say steak pie is
an important part of their Hogmanay and New Year’s Day traditions, with
83% 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 about
when 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 Scotch
survey has found a third (34%) prefer to eat it on Hogmanay to kick start the
celebrations 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 that
two-thirds (66%) of Scots plan on keeping tradition and will enjoy their steak
pie 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 Scottish
beverage IRN-BRU came out on top as the drink of choice to enjoy with a steak
pie for nearly a quarter (22%) of Scots – rising to a whopping 41% of those in
Stirling.
IRN-BRU overtakes Scotland’s national drink – a
dram of Scotch whisky
Scots planning on eating steak pie to welcome in 2024 are as
likely to wash it down with a dram of Scotch whisky (9.5%) as they are a
glass of fizz from the continent – with 1 in 10 Scots saying they prefer to
enjoy the dish with a glass of champagne or prosecco (9.2%).
Gordon Newlands, Scotch Butchers Club Manager, said: “With many of us
reimagining how we celebrate the festive season, it’s heartening to see that
some classic Scottish traditions haven’t been broken.
“For the majority of Scots, our research has shown steak pie is an
important part of Hogmanay and New Year’s Day celebrations. Enjoying some
Scotch Beef steak pie can remind us of fond memories of feasting with friends
and family and remains a great way to welcome in the new year, whether on our
own or with those we love.
“Whether you’re buying a pie from your local butchers or you fancy
trying to make it yourself from scratch, looking out for the Scotch logos and
opting for Scotch Beef will ensure you’re plating up the best quality pie to
welcome in 2024.”
Regional splits
across Scotland
While most Scots are united in their fondness for traditional
steak pie, this new research has also revealed some interesting regional
variations across the country.
When asked if steak pie was an important part of their
Hogmanay or New Year’s Day traditions, 84% of Glaswegians agreed versus just
59% of people living in Inverness.
While 71% of people living in Perth prefer to eat their steak pie
as part of a New Year’s Day feast with friends or family, just 37% of
Aberdonians say this is their preferred way to enjoy the dish with as many as 1
in 4 (25%) preferring to enjoy it on their own either before or after the
bells.
Glaswegians are more likely than those living in other cities to
say they prefer to eat their steak pie before drinking on Hogmanay (10%). In
comparison, Aberdonians are more likely to eat it as a New Year’s Day hangover
cure (8%) than those living in other Scottish cities.
When pairing a drink with their steak pie, the beverage of choice
in Glasgow is beer (26%), whereas those in Perth were more likely than any
other Scottish city to prefer to pair their steak pie with a glass of champagne
or prosecco (21%) and Scotch whisky is most popular in Inverness (12%).
Make It Scotch
For those seeking high-quality, local produce to make steak pie
this festive period, Scotch Beef will have the ideal cut to suit. The Scotch
Beef logo indicates that products are locally sourced from selected Scottish
farms that adopt best practices, including animal welfare and production
methods, 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.