Moray firms invited to Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024
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MORAY businesses have been invited to show off their shortbread in a battle against the north of Scotland's best.
The Highland Shortbread Showdown is returning to discover the best biscuits from across the region, as well as Moray.
Open to all businesses, even those who do not sell shortbread, the contest is being organised by local tourist organisations but is open to non-members.
Last year the Speyside Centre, 20 minutes from the Moray border, was named joint runner-up.
Visit Moray Speyside will host a local heat in February to decide who will be sent to the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024 on March 17 at Eden Court, Inverness as Moray's shortbread champion.
The competition, launched last year by Visit Inverness Loch Ness, will provide a fun and creative opportunity to showcase local businesses through delicious shortbread said an organiser.
Businesses have until Thursday, February 1 to register by clicking here.
BBC MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin will be on hand to host the grand final, judged by experts including Jeni Iannetta of Inverness's Bad Girl Bakery and Kirsten Gilmour of KJ’s Bothy Bakery in Grantown-on-Spey.
Ms Rankin said: “I’m delighted to be hosting the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024 and I’d encourage businesses and keen bakers throughout the Highlands to enter.
"I'm excited to see how the Highland businesses who have thrown their wooden spoons into the ring will wow the judges with their sweet, buttery, crumbly bakes!”
Emma Harrison, destination development manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness said: “We are delighted to announce the return of the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024.
“Last year, businesses from all over the Highlands competed to take the title of best shortbread in the Highlands, with more than 800 members of the public attending the final to sample their delicious bakes.
“Last year’s winner was MacKenzie’s Bakery on the Isle of Skye, whose head chef Paul Mackintosh wowed the judging panel with his fantastic recipe.
"And this year, we have expanded the competition to include three new categories in addition to the overall winner - best traditional shortbread, best flavoured shortbread and the public's choice.”
Also, joining the judging panel for 2024 is Coinneach MacLeod, more famously known as The Hebridean Baker.
Mr MacLeod said: “I am absolutely delighted to take on the role of judge at the upcoming Highland Shortbread Showdown, an event that not only promises a feast for the tastebuds but also celebrates the essence of Scottish culinary heritage.
"As the Hebridean Baker, I have always been passionate about the traditions of shortbread, and I am excited to see how the competitors share the techniques, artistry and flavours of our national biscuit.”
