12th September 2008

World Porridge Making Championship 2008

An invitation has been issued to porridge makers across the globe to battle it out for the title of World Porridge Making Champion 2008. The 15th Annual Championship is to be held in Carrbridge on Sunday October 12.

Where? Carrbridge, Inverness-shire

When? Sunday October 12, from 10am

The organisers of this 15th annual championship are calling for entries from anyone who thinks they are worthy of winning the world title and prestigious Golden Spurtle award. Entries are invited from restaurant and hotel chefs as well as guest house and B&B establishments across Scotland and further afield as well as from individuals who make a champion bowl of porridge.

The title of World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the contender judged to have made the best traditional porridge using oatmeal and water. As well as the coveted title, the winner of the competition, sponsored by Scotland's leading oatmeal producers, Hamlyns of Scotland, will receive a £350 hotel voucher and a cash prize of £250. Contestants are also invited to enter the ‘Speciality Porridge’ competition for porridge with other ingredients added. This section has a cash prize of £150 while the winner also receives a special trophy named in memory of four-times world porridge making champion, Duncan Hilditch.

Chairman of organisers Carrbridge Community Council Scott Bruce said that the village was delighted to host the championship which continues to go from strength to strength.  "This has become one of the top events on the food and drink calendar and has built up an international following generating a huge amount of interest across the world," he said.  The championship is followed by connoisseurs of the traditional dish across the globe.

This year's panel of judges is to be headed up by George McIvor and Colin Bussey of the Master Chefs of Great Britain. They are to be joined by guest judge, Tom Lewis who is one of Scotland’s foremost culinary experts. Well known from his TV  involvement in the BBC Two Great British menu series, Tom is head chef at the  Monachyle Mhor Hotel set on the family-run farm in Perthshire where he has picked up a string of awards for his daily changing menu based on fresh seasonal produce.

Among those who have already signed up to take part in this year's contest are 2007 champion, Maria Soep from the Roinebhal Country House at Kilchrenan in Argyll, reigning speciality winner, Al Beaton from the Porridge Bowl, Inverness, and  Joanne Grice who is breakfast chef at the Saint Anne’s Inn and Spa – one of Canada’s  premier spa destinations.

More information can be found on the website at www.goldenspurtle.com.