Talented bakers from Caithness and Sutherland are among those who will be going for glory in the 2025 Highland Shortbread Showdown.
The popular challenge is back for a third year, with businesses from across the region being encouraged to enter their best bakes.
The competition was given a high-profile mention on TV last week courtesy of former Great British Bake Off contestant Norman Calder, from Buckie. He took part in the Highland Shortbread Showdown in 2023 and mentioned it on the latest edition of Channel 4’s Great New Year Bake Off.
The challenge is organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness with support from other destination management organisations, including Venture North.
The regional heat for Caithness and Sutherland is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, in the Pentland Hotel in Thurso, ahead of the Highland grand final at Eden Court in Inverness on Saturday, March 8.
Standards were so high in last year’s Caithness and Sutherland heat in Mackays Hotel, Wick, that the judges had to go back for a second tasting before they announced the three entries to represent the far north in the Highland final. They opted for two kinds of shortbread made by Patricia Custer and one by David Buchanan.
Businesses have until Monday, February 3, to register for the 2025 competition.
Great British Bake Off’s Norman Calder took part in a previous Highland Shortbread Showdown.
The shortlisting events and grand final are open to members of the public who can taste all the shortbread for themselves and vote for the public’s choice winner. There will also be a best flavoured shortbread and best traditional shortbread winner, as well as the overall champion.
More information about the Highland Shortbread Showdown, including how to register, can be found at www.visitinvernesslochness.com/shortbread-showdown
The Highland Shortbread Showdown, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice, is part of Inverness and Loch Ness Food and Drink Festival, organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness.