A TROON chippy has been hailed for producing the best fish suppers in Ayrshire at a national awards ceremony. 

Barassie Chippy, on Barassiebank Lane, took home the Best Fish Supper (Ayrshire) gong at the Scottish Fish & Chip Awards.

It was also Highly Recommended in the Best Chip Shop in Ayrshire category at the glittering event.

The popular chippy has been owned by Monica Spataru and Silvano Castelli for the past 15 years.

Monica says the pair and their staff are over the moon at the award, and has thanked their customers for all their support. 

She said: "Last year we were highly recommended for the fish supper and best chip shop categories, and this time we have gone one better.

"It was a fantastic night and we are really proud and happy to win such a prestigious award.

"Scotland needs a strong fish and chip industry, so thanks as always to our customers and for voting and supporting us."

Monica believes an insistence on high quality makes their suppers stand out from the rest, with their fish sourced from award-winning J Pieroni & Sons in Ayr.

She said: "We make sure it's high quality every time, and we always try to get the best formula for the batter.

"Everything is important from the oil down to the people making it, and everything comes together to create the best fish supper."

The pair took over the shop from Silvano's uncle 15 years ago after moving to Scotland from Italy. 

Alongside top fryer Riccardo Nardini, the takeaway employs up to 10 part-time staff at the height of the summer season.

Monica added: "The summer is the busiest time for us and the winters are quieter, although we always have our regular customers.

"We get lots of visitors from outside the area who come down to visit our beautiful beaches and Troon itself.

"Our staff are so important and they all do a fantastic job, including Riccardo who has been with us since we started.

"We just need to keep going now and hopefully win again next year!"