The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Spooner scoops judges’ prize for Cullen skink
It was a tough choice for judges and the public at this year’s Cullen Skink World Championships – with so many delicious bowls of the Moray delicacy on offer.
The hotly-contested competition was held at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen yesterday.
In the morning a traditional Cullen skink was on offer then it was an afternoon of “with a twist” bowls served up to a large crowd.
And in a tastebudtangling twist, the judges’ overall winner in both categories was not the same as the people’s choice at the annual festival.
There were 12 entrants in each competition, meaning 24 bowls of soup for tasters.
From BBC journalists to hotel owners, there was a whole host of different takes on Cullen skink for the large audience to taste.
The judges’ choice was awarded to the managing director of The Aberlour Hotel, Kellie Spooner. She took both the traditional and the “with a twist” prizes.
Lifting the prize of the people’s choice were KaiUwe Stutzkeitz for his “with a twist” broth, and Alison Taylor, also of the Aberlour Hotel, for her traditional take on the soup.
Cullen skink is a creamy and hearty combination of smoked haddock, potatoes, onions and milk.
Kai served up an unusual green soup thanks to a pesto he makes with foraged wild garlic.
He said: “It was a brilliant day, and a nice competition.
“People, especially the chefs, were very friendly. It was so good to be able to take part.”
Kai, who is originally from Germany but currently works in Ayrshire, said: “I added wild garlic that I had foraged in Maybole and some German ham to give my Cullen skink a sooty flavour.
“I served up a green bowl of soup – it is St Patrick’s Day after all.
“I made a pesto with the wild garlic and added it to the soup.
“It was a spring soup made with local and seasonal vegetables.
“I tasted all the soups and I could not have picked a winner – they were all delicious.”
Organisers Discover Cullen said: “The 2024 competition was held in memory of Graham Bell, Discover Cullen treasurer and secretary, who sadly passed away on December 22.
“Graham was wellknown in Cullen and played an integral role in Discover Cullen from managing the tourist office and organising the Cullen Skink World Championships.
“Thank you to the competitors, spectators, judging panel, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, the organising committee, and our hosts at the Seafield Arms Hotel for an amazing day.”