A Spurtle and porridge at the championships. Photo: Fergus Thom
When: 5th October 2013 from 11am
Where: Carrbridge Village Hall, Scottish Highlands
£: Free (entries into the competition have now closed)
What is it?
The 20th Golden Spurtle Porridge Making Championships will take place in Carrbridge on 5th October 2013. The annual championships have been held in Scotland since 1994.
A spurtle is a traditional Scottish kitchen tool used for stirring oatmeal. Winners of the championships receive the coveted Golden Spurtle for their efforts. The World Porridge Making Championship title is awarded to the competitor producing the best traditional porridge, made from oatmeal. The porridge is judged on consistency, taste and colour.
2012 winners Laurie Figone (Speciality Winner), Benedict Horsbrugh (Golden Spurtle Winner), John Boa (People’s Choice Winner). Photo: Fergus Thom
Apart from the traditional porridge making event there is also a trophy for the best ‘Speciality Porridge’, where competitors add a choice of ingredients to their porridge base.
Over the years the competition has grown, leading to more international competitors. In 2009 Matthew Cox from Oregon, USA was the first overseas competitor to win the Golden Spurtle and in 2010 Catherine Caldwell from Canada won the speciality porridge making section. Overseas competitors have come from many countries including Sweden, Ireland, Canada and the USA.
The village of Carrbridge is part of the scenic Cairngorms National Park and is famous for its 18th century packhorse bridge.
More info: www.goldenspurtle.com