Entries are open as Shortbread Showdown returns

A SHORTBREAD competition is returning for a second year in bid to find the best biscuit in the Highlands.

The Highland Shortbread Showdown was launched this year by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN), partnering with Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs) from across the region.

Businesses are now being invited to compete in local heats for the chance to make it to the 2024 grand final.

The Highland Shortbread Showdown is open to all businesses – not just members of DMOs or those who sell shortbread – and anyone on the team can compete.

Businesses, including members of Visit Moray Speyside, Visit Cairngorms, Visit Nairn, Visit Dornoch, Venture North, Outdoor Capital of the UK, Skye Connect, Visit Inverness Loch Ness and Visit Arran, have until Thursday, February 1 to register.

Each of the DMOs will hold local heats throughout February to select three businesses who will go through to the grand final at Eden Court in Inverness on March 17. The event will be hosted by BBC MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin.

She said: “I’m excited to see how the Highland businesses who have thrown their wooden spoons into the ring will wow the judges with their sweet, buttery, crumbly bakes!”

Coinneach MacLeod, more famously known as The Hebridean Baker, has joined the judging panel for next year’s competition.

He said: “I have always been passionate about the traditions of shortbread. I am excited to see how the competitors share the techniques, artistry and flavours of our national biscuit.”

Last year’s winner was MacKenzie’s Bakery in the Isle of Skye, whose head chef Paul Mackintosh wowed the judging panel with his recipe.

To enter the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2024, register at www. visitinvernesslochness.com/ shortbread-showdownentry-2024