Bakers have until 30 September to enter the first World Shortbread Championships as Inverness prepares to host a competition celebrating one of Scotland’s best loved treats.

The inaugural championships will take place at Inverness Leisure on Saturday 21 November, bringing junior, amateur and professional bakers together in pursuit of the title of World Shortbread Champion.

Sponsored by Carr’s Flour Mills, the competition is open to experienced professionals as well as home bakers and youngsters who reckon their shortbread deserves a wider audience.

Competitors will be able to enter Traditional and Speciality categories, giving purists and more adventurous bakers their own opportunity to impress the judges.

Entries will be assessed on flavour, texture and appearance, with creativity also coming into play as the judges work towards choosing the first overall champion.

The event will be hosted by professional chef, food writer and broadcaster Sarah Rankin.

She said:

“Few foods are as closely associated with Scotland as shortbread. With origins dating back centuries, the buttery biscuit has become a symbol of Scottish hospitality and heritage.

“Traditionally enjoyed during celebrations such as Christmas, Hogmanay and weddings, shortbread continues to be cherished around the world, making it the perfect focus for an international championship.

“I can’t wait to see and taste what our fabulous bakers produce.”

The championships offer Inverness the opportunity to put a distinctly Scottish food tradition onto an international competitive stage.

Shortbread recipes have been handed through generations of families, and the amateur competition could uncover recipes which have spent considerably more time in kitchen drawers than cookbooks.

For professional bakers, meanwhile, there are global bragging rights at stake and the chance to become the first name attached to the new championship.

James Martin, Director of Community, Leisure and Sport at High Life Highland, said:

“Whether you’re a home baker with a treasured family recipe, a young baking enthusiast keen to test your skills, or a professional looking to claim global bragging rights, we urge you to get your entries in as soon as possible and not miss this unique opportunity.

“With the entry deadline fast approaching on 30 September, now is the time to put your shortbread to the test.”

The deadline leaves prospective competitors just over a week to decide whether the family recipe really is as good as everyone has been telling them.

Then comes the considerably harder part.

Convincing the judges in Inverness that it is the best shortbread in the world.

For more information, to enter or to purchase spectator tickets, visit the World Shortbread Championships website: The World Shortbread Championships — The World Shortbread Championships