Competition categories will include traditional and speciality shortbread, with separate opportunities for junior, amateur and professional bakers to compete for honours.

The day will also feature tasting experiences, educational activities and public participation alongside the competition and judging.

Professional chef, food writer and broadcaster Sarah Rankin will host the championships, with Bad Girl Bakery founder Jeni Iannetta leading the judging panel as Head Judge.

Allan Burns, Sales & Marketing Director at Carr’s Flour Mills, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to be headline sponsor of the first ever World Shortbread Championships.

“Shortbread is one of Scotland’s best loved bakes and to support a brand new event that celebrates it on a world stage is a real privilege for everyone at Carr’s Flour Mills.

“What excites us most is that this competition brings together home bakers, professional bakers and young bakers all under one roof.

“That mirrors exactly who we mill for at Carr’s, from kitchen tables to professional bakeries, encouraging the next generation to pick up a rolling pin.

“We can’t wait to see what the competitors create and we hope this is the first of many years working alongside the Championships.”

Spectator tickets are now available, with early bird discounts being offered ahead of the November event.

Entries for bakers remain open until 30 September.

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

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Carr’s Flour Mills as our headline sponsor and are honoured they have chosen to join us on this exciting journey.

“Their reputation within the baking industry and their longstanding commitment to supporting bakers makes them the perfect partner for the World Shortbread Championships.

“We’re also thrilled to announce that spectator tickets are now on sale.

“This is a unique opportunity for people to come along, sample some fantastic shortbread, enjoy a great day out and be part of the very first World Shortbread Championships.

“We would also encourage anyone who is still considering entering the competition to get involved and sign up quickly with entry applications closing on 30 September.”

The World Shortbread Championships have grown from the Shortbread Showdown, which has featured in the Visit Inverness Loch Ness events calendar for the past three years.

Now the competition is stepping onto a considerably bigger stage, with Inverness preparing to crown the world’s first World Shortbread Champion in November.

Tickets — The World Shortbread Championships with early bird discounts available.

Anyone wishing to enter should also visit the dedicated website with all the competition rules and entry instructions available here: Compete — The World Shortbread Championships