AN AYR store has bagged a place as one of Scotland’s top seven fish and chip shops.

Forehill Café will now batter it out with the six other finalists to become Scotland’s regional winners, before going forward to compete for the title of Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year.

As part of the 2016 National Fish & Chip Awards, organised by Seafish, all shops have been appraised across a variety of judging criteria including responsible sourcing policies, marketing and promotional practices and staff training policies.

The Forehill Café faces stiff competition from all over the rest of Scotland for the title with the other front runners being; Cameron’s Chip Shop in Stornoway, Cromars in St Andrews, Fochabers Fish Bar in Fochabers, The Trawler in Golspie, Moore’s Fish & Chips in Castle Douglas, and The Plaice To Be in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire.

Business man Stephen Conetta has owned the Forehill Café for 15 years and runs it with his wife Carolina.

Stephen said: “It’s really fantastic being shortlisted. We recently renovated the store and it’s looking good, it’s doing well.” Paul Williams, Chief Executive of Seafish, said: “The aim of the awards has always been to showcase the very best fish and chip businesses in the UK while setting incredibly high standards for the industry to aspire to.

“The Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award is one of the highest honours to receive as a fish and chip business. Many of our past winners and finalists have gone on to reap substantial benefits, including international fame through industry trips overseas, increased shop footfall and turnover and even launching their own products.”