Global competitors get ready for the World Porridge Making Championships

It is the biggest ever international line up for the event, which take place in the Highland Village of Carrbridge on Saturday.

Joining them will be a number of UK competitors including the current World Champion and holder of the golden spurtle, NHS renal consultant, Dr Izhar Khan from Aberdeen.

The current Speciality Champion, Chris Young, owner of Perthshire Oatcakes will also be in attendance, as will previous two-time champion, Gaelic student John Boa; Anna Louise Batchelor - aka ‘Porridge Lady’ - and previous champion, former army chef, Coleen Hayward McLeod.

The title of World Porridge Making Champion is awarded to the competitor who makes the best traditional porridge using only three ingredients – oatmeal, salt and water.

Contestants are also encouraged to enter the ‘Speciality’ competition, where oatmeal must be the main ingredient in any sweet or savoury porridge-based dish.

Judging this year’s entries will be Neil Mugg, head pastry chef at The Gleneagles Hotel, Masterchef Colin Bussey, who has 34 years’ experience in the food industry including at The Savoy and Gleneagles, and guest judges, Ron Mackenna, restaurant critic at ‘The Herald’, and Jonathan Engles of Crossbilll Gin in Aviemore, the gin distillery and bar crowned 2015 Shed of the Year.

The event begins with a pipe band parade from the famous Old Packhorse Bridge to the Village Hall, where competitors and judges undertake the traditional ‘toast to the porridge’.

The first of four heats begin at 10.45am, with the final cook off at 2.45pm, and announcement of the winner at 3.30pm.

The event is organised by Carrbridge Community Council and sponsored by Hamlyns of Scotland.