Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship Event Programme

GOLDEN SPURTLE WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIP

EVENT PROGRAMME 32ND YEAR

MAIN SPONSOR

4TH OCTOBER 2025 • CARR-BRIDGE

WELCOME TO

CARR-BRIDGE On behalf of the people of Carr-bridge may we welcome you all to the 32nd year of the WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIP 2025.

The event began in 1994 as a low-key, local contest to cheer up the village and get ready for winter.

From a very modest start it has grown to one of the world’s premier food contests, with contestants, judges and visitors from all over the world. This year has attracted a record entry, all trying to win the coveted GOLDEN SPURTLE. We want you to enjoy your day here in Carr-bridge! In addition to the cook-off heats, you’ll have the opportunity to sample dishes from our talented cooks and visit our popular whisky tasting section, which runs between the heats. The competition will be live-streamed, and tea, coffee, and other refreshments will be available throughout the village. See the Village Map in this programme for locations.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of the ever-helpful PORRIDGE TEAM ENJOY YOUR DAY IN CARR-BRIDGE!

CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE 09:45 - 10:00

Parade led by the Strathspey Pipe Band, from the old bridge to the village hall.

10:00 - 10:30

Toast to the porridge

Official Start of the World Porridge Making Championship

10:30 - 11:00 11:15 - 11:45 12:00 - 12:30 12:30 - 13:30 13:30 - 14:00 14:15 - 14:45 14:45 - 15:15 15:15 - 15:30 15:30 - 16:00 16:15 - 16:45

Heat 1 (and start of whisky tastings & gin tasting) Heat 2 Heat 3 Interval Heat 4 Heat 5 Raffle and auction Finalist announcement Grand final cook off Judging and winner announcement followed by prize giving

THE COMPETITION The Golden Spurtle Trophy and £500 cash prize is awarded to the competitor who produces the best traditional porridge, made from oatmeal, water and salt. The porridge is judged on consistency, taste and colour.

TASTINGS

The Duncan Hilditch Memorial Quaich and a cash prize of £350 is awarded to the competitor producing the best speciality porridge made with oatmeal which can have other ingredients added. This porridge has to be made and presented at the same time as the traditional porridge.

The porridge cooked by competitors for the judges to sample may contain allergens.

If you wish to taste the porridge, all such tastings are at your own risk.

THE HEATS HEAT 1

Kim McGhee

Douglas Mackay

John Sellars

Chris Ormiston

HEAT 2

James Leach

Christian Mitchell

Karin Schroll

Antonia Preben Prochaska Rasamanickam

HEAT Henry Schwittay 3

Madeline Wolfson

Margaret Leach

Aidan Ideker

HEAT 4

Sahar Shah

Murray Talbot

Jenni Roth

Peter Clark

HEAT 5

Nicola Laceby

Caroline Velik

Holly Ward

Sven Seljom

Its not only porridge on the menu...

Be our Guest on a Whisky and Gin Tasting Tour of Scotland

Adam Kiani

Rebecca Holohan

Duncan Chisholm Tim Moss Raymond Boland

Isaac Orson Abigail Anderson Phillips Rory Cartmell

Madeleine Ryan Tucker

GOLDEN SPURTLE T H E M OVI E

• HEAT 1 Angels Nectar Duthil - Pedro Ximenex Sherry Cask Edition - 6 years old - 46% proof - royal icing, dried raisins – smooth sherry influence. Available at Speyside Centre, Aviemore Gift shop.

• HEAT 2 Benromach – Forres - 10 year 43% proof -

apples, pears, dark honey - soft vanilla, hints of smoke – fruity, spicy, oak finish. Available at Tesco.

• HEAT 3 Cairn Distillery - Grantown on Spey 12 Year 43% proof - apples, cinamon and cloves – sweet and spicy – fruity, spicy, oak finish. Available at Distillery.

• HEAT 4 Glenfarclas - Aberlour 10 year old 40% proof sweet sherry notes with malt and barley. Hints of toffee and vanilla - long smooth, spicy, fruity touches of oak. Freely available.

• HEAT 5 Kinrara Gin - Kinrara Highland Dry is a multi

award winning delight. Soft, clean, crisp and refreshingly smooth on the palette. It leaves lingering citrus notes with sweet rose hips to finish.

DRINKAWARE.co.uk This event supports responsible drinking.

Please enjoy alcohol mindfully and know your limits.

The Golden Spurtle is a charming documentary capturing the 2023 Championship. Directed by Constantine Costi, the film dives into the lives of quirky locals and passionate competitors, including our Honorary Chieftain Charlie Miller and former champion Adam Kiani. With heartfelt storytelling, it celebrates tradition, rivalry, and community spirit. From oat tortillas to secret stirring techniques, the film showcases the essence of The Golden Spurtle. Following its UK premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, The Golden Spurtle hit UK cinemas on 12th September, inviting audiences to savour a truly unique culinary showdown.

THE JUDGES Our three porridge judges are chosen for their exceptional palates, impressive culinary credentials and passion for porridge and healthy living.

NEIL MUGG HEAD JUDGE

Neil has enjoyed a fantastic career working as a Chef in Scotland. Starting on the West coast in a country house hotel, he moved to Glasgow to further his career and develop skills as a Pastry Chef. Neil has worked at The Gleneagles Hotel. After leaving Gleneagles, Neil worked in three colleges across Scotland and is now happy in his role at UHI Perth, where he can share his culinary knowledge and hospitality industry standards to the up-and-coming chefs of the future.

Being asked back to judge the championships again is a real honour, said Neil. “I am very grateful to be asked and to welcome back those, such as past winners, new competitors and previous competitors, who have supported the event each year. It really is a great event to network and meet new people!”

COINNEACH MACLEOD Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, is an international bestselling author, TV presenter and Scotland’s best-selling cookbook writer. Born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, his four acclaimed cook books celebrate the culinary heritage of Scotland while weaving in stories of folklore, island life and Hebridean traditions.

A familiar face on television, Coinneach is currently filming his own BBC TV series: Hebridean Baker, Nordic Isles. He was named Scotland’s Food & Drink Influencer of the Year and embarked on his ninth sell-out North American book tour in 2025. His engaging content on Instagram @hebrideanbaker has attracted over 31 million views, blending food and travel in his signature style. He also hosts the Aria-nominated podcast Scottish Island Adventures, sharing the magic of the Hebrides - one island at a time.

KIRSTEN GILMOUR (KJ)

Kj is a passionate, straight-talking, award-winning chef, artisan baker & author. Originally from New Zealand.

She is the owner/ head chef/ baker at Kj’s Bothy Bakery an award-winning bakery on the outskirts of Grantown.

She is now famed for her daily sourdoughs, artisan baking, freshly baked cakes, sexy puds, epic sarnies & delicious sausage rolls, she is a true coffee snob & prides herself serving top notch coffee.

Kj is the previous owner & head chef of The Mountain Cafe Aviemore. The café became an Aviemore institution winning many awards & accolades over the 16 years it was open.

MEET OUR MC

SARAH RANKIN

Sarah Rankin is a private chef, food writer, culinary event host and lover of Scottish flavours and produce.

Sarah will be reprising her hosting role at the annual Golden Spurtle World Porridge Championships in October 2025. “I am thrilled to be back hosting the Golden Spurtle. As a former judge, I’ve seen both sides of the event and getting to spend time with competitors from all over the world as they share their love of our national dish is such a joy.

There is always such a fascinating range of competitors and

food cultures represented and getting to share their stories

with the audience at the event and via livestream is a real privilege.

Sarah celebrates Scotland’s larder as a private chef and Supper Club host, and as a regular on the food festival circuit around the UK. You’ll find her food stories in several print publications and hear her regular contributions on BBC Radio Scotland.

She loves to celebrate local suppliers, sustainable food practices and Scottish produce and her second cookbook ‘Feast – recipes that bring joy’, is a collection of fifteen curated menus for any and all occasions, taking the guesswork out of what to cook and when. Feast is released on 2 October.

MEMORIES OF PORRIDGE PAST...

GOLDEN SPURTLE COMPETITORS Kim McGhee An Art History student living in London. Aside from exploring as much of Scotland as I can, my great passions in life are cooking, trying new things & flamenco! I’m excited to be back at Carrbridge to have a fun and memorable experience with both new & old friends!

Doug Mackay

FIRST HEAT

I’m a Chartered Engineer from Wick in the North Highlands, powering Aberdeen’s energy sector by day, but come morning, I’m a porridge fanatic on a mission. My love for porridge has stirred me back to compete for the coveted Golden Spurtle.

John Sellars John is a retired Chartered Engineer, hypnotist and collector of Scottish Islands.

When he’s not making porridge or at home with family he’s most likely climbing Munros - Scotland’s highest mountains.

Chris Ormiston Since winning the World Porridge Making Championship last year I’ve had an amazing 12 months. I’ve appeared on various radio stations & in several newspapers as well as doing a porridge cooking demonstration at the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in Portsoy.

Adam Kiani After another oaty whirlwind of a year I’m so excited to be back at the bubbling hearth of Carrbridge, for the third time, surrounded by people who love porridge as much as I do.

Duncan Chisholm From Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the home of Porridge. Son of a kilt maker, grandson of an oat miller, and inaugural member of the prestigious Porridge Club, where every porridge session is preceded by a plunge in a local Loch... the best way to enjoy porridge.

SECOND HEAT

James Leach My porridge love began in 2020, when a friend & I started an Instagram page called @forridge_uk, dedicated to the celebration of all things oat! This will be my third time competing in Carrbridge, and I can’t wait to throw my spurtle back into the competition!

Christian Mitchell I’m a 28-year old Finance professional based in London. I grew up in an international household and have just returned from a two year stint in Japan, so I look forward to using my diverse culinary palette to become the oat GOAT.

Karin Schroll Karin comes from the Waldviertel – the “Highlands of Austria,” known for its granite landscape, cool climate, remote charm and streams that share the colour of beer. She brings a regional version of the spurtle – carved from a spruce tip.

Antonia Prochaska Hi, I’m Antonia, your neuro-spicy, plant-based, cinema-loving contestant from Vienna.

Film, arts and education are my professional companions, but in my private life, porridge has become an even more frequent guest. My friend Karin and I are competing in the same heat and celebrating 25 years of friendship.

GOLDEN SPURTLE COMPETITORS Preben Rasamanickam I have been an avid porridge lover my whole life. Whether I’m at home or out in the hills, I always enjoy a good bowl. My mates joke about my porridge habits, so meeting fellow oat enthusiasts in Carrbridge will be a treat!

Tim Moss A Psychoanalytic psychotherapist working in the NHS, singer with punk band RipChord and songwriter, singer and guitarist with ghostpunk band The Clumsiest Ghost. He is the current chair of the Highlands Psychoanalytic Collective. He also cooks.

Henry Schwittay My name is Henry Schwittay from the North Coast of Ireland.

I work as a chef and am deeply inspired by the local and seasonal produce of my hometown by the sea.

Madeline Wolfson

THIRD HEAT

Madeline is beyond excited to bring fun and flavour to this competition! Her dishes are inspired by her home and her time in Glasgow. Her ideas are in collaboration with Aimee Becker, a fellow American friend in Glasgow.

Margaret Leach I am a retired Civil Servant aged 67 years. Born in Edinburgh and now living in Yorkshire I still have porridge every day! Walking is my passion. It’s therapeutic to walk and think of possible oatmeal dishes for this competition!

Aidan Ideker Originally from the hamlet of San Diego, California, and now based in the metropolis of St Andrews, Aidan is a porridge-babe bringing innovation, freshness, and zest to the Golden Spurtle Championship 2025.

Rebecca Holohan I’m an amateur porridge enthusiast from the West of Ireland with a lifelong love for oats and simple, comforting food. When my dad became ill, I decided it was time to fulfill a long-held dream: to attend the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship.

Raymond Boland Ray Boland has recently retired from his career as a lecturer in the Netherlands, where he has lived for the last 26 years. He enjoys cooking and walking, although not both at the same time.

Sahar Shah Sahar Shah is a lecturer in law at the University of Bristol, studying the intersections between legal theory and climate change. She is ready to marry her passion for Indian food with porridge, and to take the oat world by storm!

Murray Talbot Murray Talbot, works as a gardener in Edinburgh. He makes porridge every morning without fail and learned about the Golden Spurtle when he got a flat tyre on the A9 and had to wait for recovery in Carrbridge.

GOLDEN SPURTLE COMPETITORS

FOURTH HEAT

Jenni Roth As a half-Finn (and half-German), porridge is one of my earliest memories – and still my favourite breakfast. When I heard about the Golden Spurtle, I knew I had to go!

Based in Berlin, with a weakness for quirky ideas, poetry of life & literature, singing, and swimming in cold waters.

Peter Clark Peter is an experienced porridge maker and dietician who advises the ABC Cycling Team. He cooks the porridge for the ABC athletes to consume before their training exercises. A keen cyclist, he competed in L’Etape du Tour de France 2025.

Isaac Orson Phillips Issac admits to being obsessed with porridge!

A working composer, tutor and artist he hopes to bring artistic flair to the competition.

Abigail Anderson Originally from the North East of Scotland but currently living in Leith, Edinburgh, I take inspiration from my travels around the world, art, and my love for all things oaty.

Nicola Laceby Nicky isn’t just a baker – she’s a burst of sunshine with a spurtle in hand! Originally from Dundee, she loved her early working years in the Highlands so much, she’s thrilled to be back. A Bake Off Series 14 favourite, Nicky is ready to bring Scottish pride and plenty of fun to the Golden Spurtle World Porridge Competition.

Caroline Velik

FIFTH HEAT

Caroline Velik is one of Australia’s leading commercial food stylists. Highly experienced in recipe development, writing recipes for newspapers, magazines, cook books & commercial clients. Whilst purists compete for traditional porridge, her heart belongs to the specialty section, where she is excited to share delicious flavours with an Aussie twist.

Holly Ward From Falkland, Fife, now living in Glasgow. A recently graduated history student with a passion for surfing, hiking and wild swimming. She has been making porridge since childhood with her trusty “spon” - perfecting recipes on Scotland’s mountains and beaches.

Sven Seljom Sven Seljom is from Mandal in Norway. I have been an avid oat cook for many years and I am really excited to meet and compete with fellow aficionados.

Rory Cartmell Geopolitical analyst based in London. He discovered the World Porridge Making Championships whilst cycling the west coast of Sweden, chancing upon a bed & breakfast run by former champion Per Carlsson. He will celebrate his 30th birthday on the week of the 2025 championships.

Madeleine Ryan Tucker Maddie is a first-time entrant but long-time porridge lover from London. Porridge has fuelled many of her hiking adventures around Scotland, and as an assistant psychologist in eating disorders she’s seen oats improve people’s eating habits and wellbeing.

Bothy Marquee Stalls, Merchandise & Book Signing

Large Screen Entrance/Exit

Raffle Tent Large Screen

Audience Seating

Competition Area

FIRE EXIT Kitchen

Kitchen

TV Screen Tasting Room

FIRE EXIT No Public Access

Judges Room

All Abilities Entrance/Exit

Toilets

At times we get really busy in the Hall.

The action is live streamed on Facebook & YouTube at venues on the Carrbridge Map. Head off for coffee, snacks or a meal, watch the action and never miss a moment.

SPOTLIGHT ON...

GOLDEN SPURTLE

WORLD PORRIDGE MAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS Now in its 32nd year, the Golden Spurtle is a warm celebration of oats, community, and creativity. Sadly, earlier in the year we lost Roger Reed, the creator and keen supporter.

Roger was a local hotelier and member of Carrbridge Community Council. The idea of the Championship was to raise the profile of Carrbridge and of porridge.

At the time Roger was quoted in the local press “it is a very healthy food and we should make more people aware of this”.

Roger added.

Roger Reed greets Judge and chef Bill Kendrew

“At the time I was a member of the Community Council. I was out walking the dog in the woods behind Fairwinds one day, thinking of how to promote Carr-Bridge.

I knew that other small villages around the country had world championships, conkers, tiddley winks and marbles etc., what could Carr-Bridge do? I used to make the porridge at Fairwinds and the idea of World Porridge came to mind. I went down to the Ecclefechan (Restaurant) to put the idea to Duncan Hilditch. In a very short time we decided that it would be possible to hold a competition.

Everybody had their own way of making porridge, could we find the best?

Duncan was sure that he knew enough top chefs to act as judges. We then drew up the rules for making basic porridge. We decided that to add interest we would add a speciality section where the competitors could let their imagination take over. It was probably all sorted out in an hour or so. Duncan sorted out the judges, I organised the event. I put the idea to the Community Council, they approved and funded the initial event and subsequent years. It was never intended to make money but not lose too much. Simple idea really.”

Roger and his team sent out over 700 invitations to take part in the competition, to B&B’s, guest houses and restaurants throughout Scotland. Anyone could enter. The competition was – and still is – open to amateur and professionals alike. Entries that first year came as far away as Dunoon and Iona. Now we welcome competitors from all corners of the globe.

On behalf of porridge lovers - Thank you Roger and Duncan, you are in our hearts.

Duncan’s wife Anne Hilditch will present the Trophy to the Speciality Dish Winner.

WINNING SPECIALITY RECIPE 2024

ee Kim McGh

COCONUT & PANDAN PORRIDGE Buko Pandan is a traditional dessert served chilled for tropical Filipino nights.

This is the Scottish twist on it with creamy oats!

INGREDIENTS & QUANTITIES: • 1 bunch fresh pandan leaves • 2 tins coconut milk • 420g or 1 tin fresh young coconut meat strips • 1 cup medium oatmeal • 120g Nata de coco (coconut gel, green and cubed)

EQUIPMENT: • 1 cooking pot and wooden ladle • 1 bamboo tray • Fresh banana leaves

Coconut & Pandan Porridge • 1 acacia bowl • 3 acacia mini plates • Incense and matches

METHOD: • Simmer the coconut milk with the pandan leaves for 10 minutes then remove leaves • Add the oats and continue to stir • Once the oats thicken, add the young coconut meat • Stir in half of the nata de coco • Pour into a bowl and decorate with the remaining nata de coco • Present porridge on a traditional bamboo tray with banana leaf, with additional optional garnishes such as Choc Nut and little platters just as you would see in the Philippines.

Enjoy!

Bedtime Biscuits by the Hebridean Baker

Makes 16

Is there anything more comforting than a glass of milk and a wee treat before bed? These bedtime biscuits will surely become your favourite nighttime indulgence – filled with oats, the sweet tang of cranberries and the soothing malt flavour of Ovaltine.

Each crunchy biscuit is a little morsel of comfort, making them perfect evening companions.

Ingredients 125g butter

75g soft brown sugar

50g dark brown sugar 1 tbsp golden syrup

2. Preheat your oven to 180°C/or 160°C fan.

3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, rolled oats, bicarbonate of soda and Horlicks.

4. Once the melted butter and sugar mixture has cooled a little, pour it into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir everything together until completely combined.

5. Gently fold in the cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

6. Take the biscuit mixture and roll it into about 16 equal-sized balls. Arrange the balls on two baking sheets, ensuring there is enough space between each to allow for spreading.

7. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and set. After baking, let the biscuits cool on the sheets for a moment before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

100g self-raising flour

125g Hamlyns Scottish Porridge Oats ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda 30g Horlicks or Ovaltine 70g dried cranberries

Method 1. Begin by placing the butter, both soft and dark brown sugars and golden syrup into a saucepan. Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugars have dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Once done, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

This recipe features in Coinneach’s latest book, ‘Hebridean Baker, The Scottish Cookbook’.

You’ll find hundreds more oaty recipes at hamlynsoats.co.uk and on Hamlyns’ Facebook and Instagram accounts.

GOLDEN SPURTLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WINNER 2024 Chris Ormiston from Inverurie was crowned the 2024 World Porridge Making Champion. His secret to winning according to Chris was using pink Himalayan salt and cooking the porridge to a precise temperature of 92 degrees Celsius to achieve a creamy, but not watery, consistency. He also used a blend of equal parts Hamlyns Scottish Oatmeal and Pinhead Oatmeal.

Chris commented "I thought it would be fun, and it is a great day. It is interesting cooking in front of a crowd.

The competition is like a football game - people are like shouting and cheering." Chris also described the atmosphere as "the friendliest competition I have ever encountered."

Ormiston, who shares his cooking adventures on his YouTube channel, Camp Cook Explore, has been quoted saying that despite his win, his own mother isn't a fan of his porridge because she doesn't like salt in it.

Chris returns in 2025 to defend his title.

Lets Be Social

After the event head down to the Cairn Hotel and join the Porridge-Party! Music by local favourites Blind Broken and maybe even some dancing in the street…

Everyone is invited to join the local congregation at Carr-Bridge Church of Scotland at 11:30 on Sunday 5th October For golfers don’t miss out on the Porridge Open at Carr-Bridge Golf Club.

Double world champion Lisa Williams will be cooking up a hearty bowl of world champion standard porridge to set the golfers up for the day.

LTD.

LTD.

A W Laing Ltd are delighted to be a sponsor of the Golden Spurtle competition and wish success to all involved.

www.awlaing.co.uk

A W Laing Ltd are delighted to be a sponsor ofthe Golden Spurtle competition and wish success to all involved.

www.awlaing.co.uk

Tic ket o ffe r!

Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship Visitors can access a 10% discount off tickets for visits to the park on Fri 3rd, Sat 4th & Sun 5th of October.

Book now!

Use the code GOLDENDISCOUNT10 when booking tickets online.

AUTHENTIC HIGHLAND INN MAIN ST, CARRBRIDGE PH23 3AS

• CRAFT ALES • MALT WHISKIES • SCOTTISH GINS • CREATIVE SEASONAL MENUS

BOOK WITH US 01479 841212 www.cairnhotel.co.uk info@cairnhotel.co.uk

OFFICIAL GOLDEN SPURTLE MERCHANDISE

Available at the Porridge Bothy (white marquee) Visit the Bothy to grab a piece of Official Merchandise, personally signed books by The Hebridean Baker and Sarah Rankin or visit the stalls selling crafts, produce and don’t miss Kinrara Gin. Visit Mary’s Meals and hear about the important work they do.

We live stream the action to The Bothy so you won’t miss a single twirl of a spurtle!

Carrbridge Artists Studio Main street, Carrbridge

Original Paintings, Prints & Cards by Jeff Buttress Specialising in atmospheric local Landscapes & Wildlife, plus Raku fired tile pictures

Unique Ceramics & Artwork by Alice & Amy Buttress Pottery, Sculptures, Jewellery, Artwork

Selection of Chainsaw Carvings by Alice Buttress All work in the Gallery is produced here in Carrbridge by the Buttress family email: carrbridgestudio@aol.com

Now open for Home baking, soups, sandwiches, wraps, freshly cooked meals paninis etc.

Licensed Breakfasts • Lunches • Take-away

Open Daily 01479 841442

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORS The Golden Spurtle is a community run event. If you have enjoyed yourself today, please consider making a donation to help support the future of the event.

Thank you!

Thank you for visiting us. Please take a wander down our main street and sample the delights of Carrbridge.

Haste ye back!

Event Programme - Landmark Press PR - Louise Harley and Alan Rankin Photographer - James Ross and Michael Harley

Thank you to everyone who made a contribution, large or small. It’s your time and commitment that makes this event possible. Thanks also to all our sponsors, particularly Hamlyns, who have been with us from the very beginning, and everyone else who contributed.

CARRBRIDGE VILLAGE HALL

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