A BBC MASTERCHEF semi-finalist and member of the award-winning bakery Harry Gow have been recruited to judge the 2016 World Tattie Scone championship in Moray this June.
Darren Silverwright and David Gow where in Moray yesterday to promote the contest that has become an important element of Piping at Forres – the Benromach sponsored European Pipe Band Championships.
Now in its fourth year, the challenge remains for entrants to create a tattie scone using a set recipe with mashed Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes and Carr’s flour, plus the key – their own ‘magic’ ingredient.
The tastiest and most imaginative scone as judged by Darren and David will take away the prestigious trophy donated by Elgin’s Oakwood Cookery School, who are sponsors of the Tattie Scone championship.
There will also be a special prize this year in memory of the late David Urquhart, former director of organisers Forres Events Ltd and the man whose inspirational idea it was to create the World Tattie Scone Championship.
Entry forms are now available online at www.pipingatforres.com for those wishing to take part – but places are limited and so completed forms will be entered into a draw to win a coveted place in the competition.
While those who are awarded a place in the Tattie Scone Championships will need to buy a ticket to Piping at Forres in order to enter Grant Park, there is no fee to enter the Tattie Scone Championships and children from age 13 upwards are welcome to enter the competition.
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Piping At Forres – the European Pipe Band Championships – is a staple on the Scottish events calendar and is a terrific occasion for families, with something for everyone.
“The annual World Tattie Scone Championship ensures the event has special significance for imaginative foodies and we look forward to seeing which recipe walks away with this year’s title.”
The 2015 title was won by Cardiff-born RAF airman Sam May from the catering squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, his ‘Taffies’ Tattie Scone – a delicate mix of the base ingredients plus smoked bacon and smoked Dorset cheese – delighting the judges.
Tickets for Piping at Forres 2016 are now on sale at Beaver Travel in Forres and Elgin, Brodie Countryfare, the Bookshop, Logie Steading, Brambles Boutique, Nairn, Ewe & Me, Aberlour and Grantown-on-Spey or online at www.pipingatforres.com.
Tickets are in the form of wristbands allowing the ticket holder to exit and enter the park throughout the day.