PICTURES: Over 600 turn out for Inverness heat of Highland Shortbread Showdown
A crowd of over 600 people descended upon Inverness Botanic Gardens for the Inverness and Loch Ness heat of the second annual Highland Shortbread Showdown.
Hosts Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) welcomed a total of 16 businesses from the local area yesterday, each aiming to secure a place in this year's grand final.
The day also served as an opportunity for businesses to meet with visitors while judges came to their decision.
After deliberation, the heat winners were confirmed as Hou Hou Mei (Inverness) for their flavoured shortbread, the Downright Gabbler (Beauly), who also produced a flavoured shortbread and R MacDonald and Son (Inverness) for their traditional offering.
Funds were raised on the day for Befrienders Highland.
Each winner will now go on to compete at the Highland final at Eden Court in Inverness, which is scheduled to be held between 10am and 2pm on March 17, 2024.
Emma Harrison, destination development manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness, said: “What a fantastic day at the Inverness and Loch Ness heat of the Highland Shortbread Showdown! We had over 600 people come along to Inverness Botanic Gardens to try lots of delicious shortbread from 16 local businesses. All while raising funds for Befrienders Highland.
“It was a tough choice but, ultimately, Downright Gabbler, Hou Hou Mei and R Macdonald & Son were victorious on the day! Downright Gabbler and Hou Hou Mei won with their flavoured shortbreads, while R Macdonald & Son won for traditional shortbread.
“Congratulations to our three fantastic finalists. We can’t wait to see how they do against the other finalists at the grand final at Eden Court Theatre on March 17!”
