World Cullen Skink Championship winner unveiled (2024)

World Cullen Skink Championship winner unveiled (1)

Ken Banks

BBC Scotland

Expertise

  • NOT the Cullen Skink World Champion

Reporting from

Cullen

The winner of the Cullen Skink World Championships has been crowned.

Cullen skink is a popular traditional Scottish soup made primarily with smoked haddock, milk, potato and onion.

The contest was held in the Moray town of Cullen on Sunday, featuring professional chefs alongside amateurs.

Kellie Spooner, from the Aberlour Hotel, won both the traditional recipe and 'with-a-twist' contests.

Her successful 'with-a-twist' recipe featured the addition of flavours including haggis and black pudding (blaggis) bonbons and deep-fried capers.

She said she did not expect to win one title, let alone both - only the second time it has ever happened.

"I got two, I am so chuffed," she told BBC Scotland News.

Her advice to others was: "Enjoy cooking the skink and just do whatever you want to do."

Competitors had 45-minutes to prepare their dishes.

These were for both the judging panel and spectators to try during the event at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.

Such was the demand for tasting by those coming through the doors that spoons were sometimes in short supply.

Spectators were able to vote for people's choice winners, which went to Alison Taylor in the traditional section, and Kai-Uwe Stutzkeitz for his twist which included wild garlic pesto.

Image source, DiscoverCullen

Sunday's competition was held in memory of Graham Bell.

The treasurer and secretary of the Discover Cullen organisation died in December.

He was well-known in the area, and was described as playing a key role in organising the Cullen Skink World Championships.

David McCubbin, of Discover Cullen, told the competitors and audience: "Graham was always very good at organising this.

"We hope this has been a fitting tribute today."

This story's writer, BBC Scotland reporter Ken Banks, was one of the unsuccessful participants in the traditional recipe contest - but can also report that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Related Topics

World Cullen Skink Championship winner unveiled (2024)

FAQs

World Cullen Skink Championship winner unveiled? ›

The contest was held in the Moray town of Cullen on Sunday, featuring professional chefs alongside amateurs. Kellie Spooner, from the Aberlour Hotel, won both the traditional recipe and 'with-a-twist' contests.

Who won the Cullen Skink in 2024? ›

Kellie Spooner, from the Aberlour Hotel, won both the traditional recipe and 'with-a-twist' contests. Her successful 'with-a-twist' recipe featured the addition of flavours including haggis and black pudding (blaggis) bonbons and deep-fried capers.

Who won the Cullen Skink Championship? ›

Kai-Uwe Stutzkeitz winner of 'with a twist' by public vote, Kellie Spooner, winner of the judges choice for her traditional and with a twist pots, and Alison Taylor winner of traditional Cullen Skink by public vote.

What does skink mean in Cullen Skink? ›

Cullen skink, one of Scotland's most famous dishes, is a hearty soup that is traditionally made with smoked haddock. The name of this soup comes from Cullen, a small town in the northeast of Scotland. Skink is the Scottish term for a knuckle, shin, or hough of beef, so most soups made of these parts were called skink.

Does Cullen Skink freeze well? ›

For the best quality and taste, it's recommended to consume frozen Cullen Skink within three to six months of freezing. In conclusion, freezing Cullen Skink is a viable option if you find yourself with leftovers or want to prepare this traditional Scottish dish ahead of time.

Who won the world piping championship? ›

It is the long-established Scottish pipe band's first-ever World Champions win. Based in Bathgate, West Lothian, Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia fought off stiff competition from runners-up – and 2022 champions – Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band of Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5823

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.