The organisers of the World Porridge Making Championship, held annually in Carrbridge in the Cairngorm National Park, are calling all Scots porridge makers to answer the call to defend the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy at this year's event.
Date:
Thu, 08 Sep 2011
Source:
Event Organisers
Shona Rankin, co-ordinator of the event, which takes place on Sunday, 9th October, said: "The Scots have, in the past, defended their honour with claymores and muskets.
"We call upon Scots everywhere to safeguard the World Porridge Making Champion title and ensure it remains, along with the Golden Spurtle trophy, in its homeland for another year.
"We’re absolutely thrilled to see that porridge makers around the globe are entering what is set to be a fierce competition but also want to remind our local porridge makers that without a fight, this slice of Highland tradition is more than likely going to be packing its bags and setting sail to some international destination once again."
The Championship, now in its 18th year, has grown from humble beginnings into one of Scotland’s most renowned culinary cook-offs, drawing an international contingent of competitors from Europe, America and further afield.
Entrants from overseas are currently honing their skills in a bid to represent their country. In the USA, Bob’s Red Mills has organised heats and a final cook-off at its oat mill in Portland, Oregon with the winner set to fly to Carrbridge next month to compete.
Meanwhile, previous winner Ian Bishop, from Slochd near Carrbridge, spent time this summer judging at the Swedish Porridge Making Championships.
Ian explained: "I had a marvellous time in Sweden and it was great to see such passion for our national dish. I look forward to welcoming the Swedish Porridge Champion to our village this coming October."
Neal Robertson, proprietor of the Tannochbrae Tearoom in Auchtermuchty, Fife and the current World Porridge Making Champion, is set to make a return at this year's event to defend his title.
He said: "Being World Porridge Making Champion 2010 has changed my life in that I have become a bit of local 'celeb' in Fife and have even been recognised at Heathrow Airport!
"Expectations are running high for this year’s event but over the last year I have been conjuring up some great ideas using my spon (a double sided spurtle) and together with my Golden Spurtle tattoo, I know I am ready to defend my title."
The title of World Porridge Making Champion will be awarded to the competitor producing the best traditional porridge, made from pinhead oatmeal, salt and water, with a further award being made for the best Speciality Porridge.
The Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship is also encouraging all porridge enthusiasts around the globe to promote World Porridge Day on Monday, 10th October by hosting a World Porridge Breakfast to raise money for Mary’s Meals, which feeds over 479,000 of the poorest schoolchildren in Malawi daily.
Further details on the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.
Main sponsor of the competition is Hamlyns of Scotland.