World Porridge Making Championships return to Highland village
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Porridge fanatics from around the world will gather in person once more in the Highland village of Carrbridge on Saturday, October 8 for the 29th World Porridge Making Championships, which returns in its full glory after two years as a virtual event.
Entries for the 2022 competition open on Sunday at goldenspurtle.com.
Some 30 competitors will vie for the highly coveted title of World Porridge Making Champion and the Golden Spurtle trophy, which 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, course, medium or fine oatmeal, and entries are judged on appearance, texture, colour and taste.
There is also an additional prize for the best speciality porridge, where oatmeal can be combined with any other ingredients.
2019 World Porridge Making Champion, Lisa Williams, and Speciality Champion Nick Barnard, have both confirmed that they will return to Carrbridge to defend their titles.
Chef Neil Mugg, chef lecturer at Perth College UHI, whose impressive CV includes resort pastry chef at Gleneagles will head the judging panel, alongside Colin Bussey, former executive chef at Gleneagles and Food and Beverage Director at Cameron House, and New Zealand-born chef Kirsten Gilmour, owner of The Bothy Bakery in Grantown. MFR’s Farmer Jonesy will MC the event.
The World Porridge Making Championships is organised by local volunteers supported by Carrbridge Ahead and the Community Council, and is sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland, producers of Hamlyns Scottish Oatmeal and Hamlyns Scottish Porridge Oats.
Karen Henderson from the organising committee said: “The World Porridge Making Championships has been a huge part of village life for nearly 30 years. It brings visitors from around the globe to the Highlands, and we can’t wait to bring the event back in person in October. It would be really wonderful if some of those who have entered the virtual competition over the past two years are able to make the trip to join us.”
Alan Meikle from Hamlyns of Scotland said: “Carrbridge Community Council have done an excellent job with the virtual competition over the past two years, but nothing quite compares with the real thing, and we can’t wait to get back to Carrbridge in October for another unforgettable day of porridge making.”
