It's ladles at the ready as Cullen Skink World Championships draw near
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CULLEN is gearing up for a gastronomic spectacle as the highly anticipated Cullen Skink World Championships 2024 are set to take place.
This renowned event, due to take place Sunday, March 17, will bring together culinary enthusiasts, professional chefs, amateur chefs, and seafood aficionados to celebrate the iconic Scottish dish, Cullen Skink.
For the second year in a row, the keenly contested event will be hosted by the Seafield Arms Hotel in the centre of town.
Cullen Skink, a traditional Scottish soup, is a creamy and hearty combination of smoked haddock, potatoes, onions, and milk. Known for its rich flavours and cultural significance. It has gained international acclaim, prompting the creation of the Cullen Skink World Championships.
The championship aims to showcase the diverse interpretations and innovative twists that chefs worldwide bring to this classic dish. Contestants will compete in two categories, Traditional Cullen Skink and Cullen Skink with a Twist. An esteemed panel of judges will evaluate each entry and declare a winner in each category.
Scooping last year's Traditional title was defending champion Margaret Macrae, of Buth Bheag’s Fisherman’s Kitchen, Kyle of Lochalsh while the Twist trophy did not have far to travel after being won by Seafield Arms head chef Luke Green.
Behind the event are Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative.
Group chairman David McCubbin said: "We are thrilled to host the Cullen Skink World Championships 2024 in the heart of Cullen, where this iconic dish originated.
"It's not just a competition, it's a celebration of culinary heritage and innovation. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators alike to revel in the flavours and traditions that make Cullen Skink a true Scottish gem."
The contest is open to season chefs and enthusiastic foodies alike.
Cooking in the traditional category is scheduled to get under way at 11am with the judging taking place over 11.45am to 12.45pm.
In the Twist section, the action begins at 2pm with the judges with judging taking place from 2.45pm to 3.30pm.
The announcement of the winners and the presentation of the trophies will take place from 3.30pm by Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
Spectators to the free admission event will have the opportunity to taste the dishes created by the competitors and see whether the people’s choice is the same as that of the judges.
The 2024 competition is held in memory of Graham Bell, Discover Cullen Treasurer and Secretary, who sadly passed away on December 22, 2023. Graham was well known in Cullen and played an integral role in Discover Cullen from managing the tourist office and organising the Cullen Skink World Championships.
