Neal aims for Golden Spurtle

Fife’s porridge king hopes to reclaim his crown in the breakfast dish world championships.

Neal Robertson is vying for the Golden Spurtle, the World Cup of porridge-making.

The owner of Tannochbrae Tearoom, Auchtermuchty, won the contest in 2010.

The following year he triumphed in its speciality porridge category.

Returning for the 10th time, he faces competition from 29 cooks from around the globe, including fellow Courier Country entrant Chris Young, of Crieff.

The championships, to be staged in Carrbridge in October, have attracted so much interest that a shortlist has been whittled down for the first time in its 25-year history.

Organiser Michelle Green said: “It’s terrific to see such a level of interest from across the world in this most humble of dishes. We’ve certainly seen the standard of dishes entered rise year-on-year, with entrants creating traditional porridge with universal appeal alongside seriously creative porridge dishes.”

The coveted championship title is awarded to the contestant who makes the best traditional porridge using just three ingredients, oatmeal, water and salt.

Judges will include Colin Bussey, former head chef at the Gleneagles Hotel, and Neil Mugg, chef lecturer at Perth College UHI and former head pastry chef at Gleneagles.