Never let is be said that the 5pm Dining blog doesn’t tackle the big questions. With the trifling business of the general election out the way, we can concentrate on the issues that really matter: salt and vinegar or salt and sauce?

A recent survey has revealed that nearly half of Scots (49%) like vinegar with their chips. Only a fifth (22%) prefer chip shop brown sauce as their preferred condiment.

The survey was carried out for Scotty Brand who have just launched a new range of chippy style chips.

The pan Scotland survey revealed a definite geographical divide in taste buds.

Salt and sauce in the East

Salt and vinegar is preferred in all areas except Edinburgh and the Borders. In the East, salt and sauce is the favourite topping for more than two-fifths of the people surveyed.

Highlands and Islands residents were least likely to pick salt and sauce

However, more than a third of those living in Fife, Paisley area, Perthshire, Highlands and Islands and Dundee said they preferred another topping altogether.

From ketchup to gravy, curry to cheese, it seems that we are a hung parliament when it comes to our chip condiments.

Only 3% owned up to the rather indulgent classic of chips and cheese, while 16% of people follow the Belgian way and opt for mayonnaise to dip their chips.

Of the people sampled, 7% like their chips naked whereas only 1% like to spice things up with chilli sauce.

Chip refuseniks

Alarmingly, 6% of those surveyed claim not to eat chips at all.

Michael Jarvis, head of marketing for Scotty Brand said, ‘When we introduced our new Scotty Brand Chippy Chips we were intrigued with how many variations of chip toppings people. Traditionally there has always been a geographical split west / east when it comes to the vinegar / sauce debate. The survey shows that, apart from Edinburgh and Borders, salt and vinegar is the clear winner in all other areas.’

Scotty Brand Chippy Chips are available in selected COOP stores throughout Scotland.