Crunch time for Highland shortbread bakers
The grand final of the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, takes place this Saturday, with bakers battling it out to be crowned champion for their buttery bakes.
The grand final of the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, takes place this Saturday, with bakers battling it out to be crowned champion for their buttery bakes.
15 bakers from businesses across the Highlands and beyond will put their shortbread to the taste test at Eden Court in Inverness on 8th March, 10am-2pm. The Highland Shortbread Showdown final brings to an end two weeks of Food and Drink Festival events, organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN).
Working with Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) from across the Highlands and Islands and some from mainland Scotland, businesses have been whittled down at local shortlisting events.
The bakers making it to the final are:
- Visit Cairngorms: Rebecca Field, Scot Mountain Holidays
- Visit Nairn: Tracey Botting, Nairn Golf Club; Michael McDiarmid, Sprinkles Nairn; Leeann Tulloch, Golf View Hotel and Spa
- Visit Dornoch: Laura Dundas, Greens Restaurant
- Visit Moray Speyside: Christine Deagostini, Logie Steading
- Venture North: Fiona Beattie, The Royal Marine Hotel, Brora; Darren Munro, Northern Sands Hotel; Connor Macleod, The Pentland Hotel
- Visit Inverness Loch Ness: Dorothy Morrison, R MacDonald & Son; Willie MacLeod, Cawdor Castle
- Food from Fife: Chloe Milne, Fisher & Donaldson; Kerry MacKay, Adam Smith Theatre
- Visit Angus: Wendy Higgans, Auld Bar Café
- South of Scotland: Moira Lindores, The Bake Hive
Masterchef finalist Sarah Rankin will host this year’s final and expert judges include Jeni Iannetta from Bad Girl Bakery; KJ Gilmour from KJ’s Bothy Bakery; Paul Mackintosh from Mackenzie’s Bakery, who won the competition in 2023 and 2024; and Kelly Tadd, local foodie and content creator, better known as @haimandawa.
The judges will have the difficult task of choosing the overall winner, as well as the best flavoured shortbread and best traditional shortbread. The public is also invited along to meet the bakers, taste the shortbread for themselves and vote for the public’s choice winner.
Commenting on the final, Emma Harrison, Destination Development Manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said: “It’s almost crunch time for our bakers as we crown the Highland Shortbread Showdown Champion 2025!
“This event has been a highlight over the past two years, so much so that it has attracted entrants from beyond the Highlands looking to showcase their best bakes. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Eden Court on Saturday and invite you all to come along to put your tastebuds to the test and vote for your favourite shortbread.
“Bring your appetite and your love for Scotland’s most iconic treat, it’s going to be a deliciously fun experience for all!”
For full details of the Highland Shortbread Showdown, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, visit www.visitinvernesslochness.com/shortbread-showdown.
