2005 Press Release Results

A local guest house landlady has taken the coveted title of World Porridge Making Champion, following the 12th annual World Porridge Making Championships, which took place today (Sunday) in the Highland Village of Carrbridge. The popular event, which this year came under the umbrella of the Highland Food & Drink Festival - Highland Feast, is followed with interest by connoisseurs of the traditional national dish across the globe. Lynn Benge of The Pines Country House at Duthil, Carrbridge, took away the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy, and a £350 hotel voucher along with £250 spending money from sponsors, Hamlyn’s of Scotland. Thrilled at taking the prestigious title, Lynn, who was last year's speciality winners, commented "I'm just absolutely elated. I have been entering every year for the past 12 years and although I've come close before, I've never quite made the grade. I am just overjoyed to have won the championship this time around."

In the speciality category, for porridge with other ingredients added, sponsored by Columba Cream, the top prize went to Lara Smith from The Buccleuch Arms Hotel, Moffat, for her "Bucc' n Dulge" recipe. With the " Bucc" taken from the name of her hotel and "Dulge " taken from the word indulgence, Lara's winning recipe included caramelized condensed milk and Butterscotch Liqueur with vanilla tablet crumbled on top. Competition for this year’s title was fierce, with competitors originating from Scotland, England, Sweden, Spain and Israel. The line up included professional chefs, bed and breakfast owners, contract caterers, an engineer who is writing a book about porridge and even a mother and son, looking to settle a long running family battle about who cooks the best porridge! Entries were judged by a panel of three: Bill Kendrew of the Craft Guild of Chefs, George McIvor of Baxters of Speyside and leading food writer and former Masterchef winner, Sue Lawrence. Bill Kendrew, who chaired the panel said: “This year’s competition was particularly interesting because of the international flavour of the competitors, and as a result, the porridge’s were very different. It was certainly difficult to chose a winner, but in the end we were unanimous in our choice of Lynn Benge as 2005 World Porridge Making Champion.” Further information about the championship can be found on the website at www.goldenspurtle.com. Also see Photos for media use page.

For further information please contact:: Louise Harley   Linda Jolly
Event PR   Event Co-ordinator
Tel: 0141 621 0250   Tel: 01479 841211

LYNN BENGE
The Pines Country House, Duthil, CarrbridgeTel: 01479 841220Is flying off to Corfu Monday morning ( Oct 10)will be at airport around 6.30am Mobile: 07900578850 Guest house owner, Lynn Benge of the Pines Country House at Duthil has been taking part in the annual World Porridge Championship since it was launched 12 years ago. A previous finalist, Lynn last year won the speciality section for her recipe for porridge combined with apple, vanilla Vodka and raspberries.

As well as attracting the attention of her guests, Lynn has also found herself featured on Swedish Radio. The interviewing journalist explained the great interest in porridge in Sweden which is a favourite, particuarly around Christmas time.

LARA SMITH
Buccleuch Armns HotelMoffat01683 220003 Lara (30) trained and experienced chef orginally from Zimbabwecame to Scotland because of the political situation in Zimbabwe not very favourabletook on the hotel 18 months ago - family concern with husband, Clint and mother and father in law.Porridge is a major feature on the hotel's breakfast menu while Lara's main speciality is porridge with white and dark chocolate.

Traditional Porridge runner up
Antonio Puga Gonzales, The Craigellachie Hotel, Speyside

Speciality Porridge runner up
Addy Daggert, The Craigellachie Hotel, Speyside