Spurtles at the ready! World Porridge Making Championship returns
The event is taking place in Carrbridge tomorrow.
Last updated 4th Oct 2024
Competitors from across the globe are on their way to a Highland village for the annual World Porridge Making Championship.
The event, which is now in its 31st year, is taking place at the Carrbridge village hall tomorrow.
30 people representing 14 countries will vie for the highly coveted title of World Porridge Making Champion and the Golden Spurtle trophy.
The world title is awarded to the contestant deemed to have made the best traditional porridge using just three ingredients – oatmeal, water and salt.
Competitors can use pinhead, coarse, medium or fine oatmeal, and entries are judged on appearance, texture, colour and taste.
There is also an additional prize for the best Speciality Dish, where oatmeal can be combined with other ingredients.
Here, competitors wildest fancies can be served up to impress the judges.
Ex British Lions rugby star John Beattie will be among this year's judging panel.
John, who admits to having porridge most mornings, said. “How we take our porridge is up to our own personal taste, which is why I am looking forward to trying the different entries.
"I love porridge and have it almost every morning of my life.
"And there is nothing finer than going somewhere to be surprised at a twist someone has put into their particular dish."
He'll be joined by Head Judge Chef Neil Mugg, Chef Lecturer at Perth College UHI, whose impressive CV includes resort pastry chef at Gleneagles, alongside Kirsten Gilmour who owns the The Bothy Bakery in Grantown on Spey.
This year's competitors includes the defending champion Adam Kiani representing Pakistan and double champion Lisa Willims and four-time speciality porridge champion Chris Young from Scotland.
Master Chef finalist Sarah Rankin will MC the event.
2024 Porridge Chieftain Alan Rankin can't wait for another exciting competition.
He said: "The World Porridge Making Championship is a great day out.
"A team of volunteers lay on a pipe band parade, marquee and stalls, porridge tastings, whisky sampling, international competition and is just a great family day out.
"The event just would not happen without 40 plus local volunteers and the support of our main sponsor Hamlyns Oats."
The competition is to be beamed live around the world across Facebook and YouTube.
Last year, 10,700 tuned in to watch the heats and tense final grand cook off deciding who clinched the Golden Spurtle trophy.