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Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Who Will Take The Biscuit?

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The Highland Shortbread Showdown returns for second edition

The final of the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024 takes place this weekend, with finalists from across the region and beyond battling it out to be crowned champion.

Organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) and taking place at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on Sunday 17th March, finalists from 11 Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) across Scotland will present their best bakes to a panel of expert judges.

Judges Coinneach MacLeod, more famously known as the Hebridean Baker; Jeni Iannetta of Bad Girl Bakery; Kirsten Gilmour of KJ’s Bothy Bakery; and Gary Reid, director of Scottish Bakers and managing director of Reids of Caithness, will find the Highlands’ ‘best traditional shortbread’, ‘best flavoured shortbread’ and ‘overall winner’, while the ‘public’s choice’ will be chosen by those attending the final. Hosting the final will be MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin.

Finalists for 2024 are:

Also taking place during the event will be a raffle to raise funds for Befrienders Highland, as well as a treasure hunt for kids.

Speaking ahead of the final, Emma Harrison, Destination Development Manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN), said:

“The time has almost come for our judges and the public to make their selection for the best shortbread in the Highlands! 

“The inaugural Highland Shortbread Showdown in 2023 was a huge success, with around 800 people coming along to taste a selection of the country’s favourite biscuit.

“This year, we hope the final is even bigger and better, with the addition of new categories: ‘best traditional shortbread’, ‘best flavoured shortbread’ and ‘the public’s choice’, as well as the overall winner.

“Our panel of fantastic judges know a good biscuit when they taste it so I can’t wait to see who they crown winner of each category.

“If you’d like to help decide the winner of ‘the public’s choice’, please come along to the event on Sunday – see you there!”

Judge for the final, Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker, 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.”

Host for the final, MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin added:

“The second Shortbread Showdown is coming to Inverness on 17th March 2024, and I am thrilled to be hosting this year.

“Shortbread is Scotland’s national teatime treat with a long tradition.

“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!”

Further details can be found at www.visitinvernesslochness.com/shortbread-showdown

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