The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Benedict feels on top of world after stirring win
Englishman beats Scots to Golden Spurtle
An Englishman has beaten the Scots at theirowngame by taking top spot in the World Porridge Making Championshipat theweekend.
Benedict Horsbrugh, 45, who works as a director of quality management for German fruit and vegetable company Univeg, based his success on bringing his own cast-iron pan for the event – which took up half his air luggage allowance.
MrHorsbrugh, who won theGolden Spurtle, took on 16 othercompetitors before being named the victor of the event, which was held at Carrbridge on Saturday.
He said he was inspired to make his own porridge because he did not like the way his father made it.
Mr Horsbrugh said: “When I was nine I was inspired by TomBaker in the Doctor Who and the Loch NessMonster book. He has a disagreement with Sarah Jane about making porridgeandI learned thatyou just need to use a pinch of salt.”
He takes the reins from former champion, John Boa, of Edinburgh, whodid not gohomeempty handed after winning the People’s Choice Award.
MrBoaadded:“Iamvery pleased to collect another prize at this competition and the fact that this is the People’s Award makes it special for me.”
The Speciality Trophy wasawarded to Californian Laurie Figone, who hosts herownTVshowin theUS, with a dish called Italian Pinhead Torta.
Event organiser Shona
“I learned that you just need to use a pinch of salt”
Rankin said it was a “fantastic day” for competitors and spectators.
She said: “We were very impressed with the level of competition, the bar has been raised again.
“I asked Ben what his secret was after he won and he said it was using a castiron pan. It took up almost half his luggage allowance but he said it was worth it.”
The event was held on a Saturday for the first time which gave organiser the chance to hold a ceilidh following the event.