The campaign to save the macaroni pies has reached Scottish Parliament, after Greggs bakery discontinued the product.

The #Savethepie campaign sparked on social media, when the high street baker announced it would not be selling macaroni pies any more. It has since gathered nearly 2,000 signatures in an online petition. 

At the First Minister’s questions in Scottish Parliament, Nicola Sturgeon reportedly said she had even been lobbied on the issue by her own father.

She told MSPs: “I got a stern talking to on the telephone last night from my father that he expected me to join the campaign to save the macaroni pie.

“I’ve always been an obedient and loyal daughter and this occasion is no different.”

Bakery giant Greggs discontinued the product earlier this month, citing dwindling sales on its ‘smallest selling line’.

A Greggs spokesperson said: “Making space on our shelves by removing the least popular products enables our customers to enjoy an even wider variety of new tasty options in our shops, alongside traditional favourites such as the iconic sausage roll or Scotch pie.”

Meanwhile, Scotmid convenience stores have joined the campaign, by joining with the Scottish Bakers to ensure they can stock the distinctively Scottish product in stores.

Colin McLean, chief operating officer for Scotmid, said: “Macaroni pies are a Scottish institution and Scotmid is lucky to have a number of Scotland’s award-winning bakeries supplying us with their savoury pies. We want to reassure our customers that they can still buy their favourite macaroni pies in all 185 of our stores that have bakery counters.”

This follows the recent opening of The Kitchen, Scotmid’s first ‘food to go’ provision, at Ratho Station, Carrick Knowe and Kingsknowe.

The Kitchen offers fresh food to go, including pizzas, salads and made-to-order sandwiches.