MasterChef star to host as World Porridge Championships return to Scotland

Ms Rankin, who was a finalist of MasterChef in 2022, will reprise her role as the MC and will entertain spectators and livestream views by getting to know the judges and competitors at the event.

There will be 14 countries represented by 30 competitors as they look to win the highly-coveted title of World Porridge Making Champion and the Gold Spurtle trophy by using just oatmeal, water and salt.

Ms Rankin said: “This is the highlight of my year! I absolutely love this competition and as a native Highlander, the Cairngorms National Park and Carrbridge hold a very special place in my heart. 

The warmth and welcome everyone involved receives from the people of Carrbridge is just wonderful. I’m looking forward to chatting with all the competitors and judges and helping those watching in person and online to find out just why this event is so special.”

Scotland rugby legend John Beattie has joined the judging panel for this year and is looking forward to seeing what twists people can have on the dish.

He said: “How we take our porridge is up to our own personal taste, which is why I am looking forward to trying the different entries. I love porridge and have it almost every morning of my life.

“And there is nothing finer than going somewhere to be surprised at a twist someone has put into their particular dish.”

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Other judges for the event will be regular Chef Neill Mugg, chief lecturer at Perth College UHI, alongside New Zealand-born Kirsten Gilmour, the owner of the Bothy Bakery in Grantown on Spey.

An additional prize for the best speciality dish, where oatmeal can be combined with other ingredients is up for grabs with competitors offered the chance to impress judges with wild fancies.

The 2024 field includes the defending champion Adam Kiani representing Pakistan and double champion Lisa Willims and four-time speciality porridge champion Chris Young from Scotland.

The World Porridge Making Championships is organised by local volunteers and is sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland, producers of Hamlyns Scottish Oatmeal and Hamlyns Scottish Porridge Oats.

Alan Rankin the 2024 Porridge Chieftain said “The World Porridge Making Championship is a great day out. A team of volunteers lay on a pipe band parade, marquee and stalls, porridge tastings, whisky sampling, international competition and is just a great family day out.

“The event just would not happen without 40 plus local volunteers and the support of our main sponsor Hamlyns Oats.”

The Golden Spurtle has been a huge part of Carrbridge village life for the last 31 years. It brings visitors from around the globe to the Highlands. The competition is to be beamed live around the world across Facebook and YouTube. In 2023 10,7000 tuned in to watch the heats and tense final grand cook off deciding who clinched the Golden Spurtle trophy.