Thurso baker scoops traditional recipe award at Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025
A Thurso baker impressed judges with his traditional shortbread at a culinary competition – whose grand final was held at Eden Court in Inverness last weekend.
Connor Macleod from the Pentland Hotel in Thurso won best traditional shortbread at the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025, a culinary event organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN).
The final saw Dorothy Morrison from R MacDonald & Sons in Inverness was the winner of the public’s choice award and Moira Lindores from The Bake Hive, in the Scottish Borders, was the overall winner of the competition.
She won against 12 other bakers from businesses across the Highlands and beyond at the grand final with her traditional shortbread and a pistachio and rose shortbread, flavoured with pistachios and Turkish Delight pieces.
A special commendation was made to Christine Ann De Agostini from Logie Steading for most improved shortbread from last year’s entry.
“Congratulations to Moira Lindores and all our winners at the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025,” said Emma Harrison, destination development manager at (VILN).
“Our grand final and the fantastic bakes on offer did not disappoint! From unique flavour combinations to classic traditional shortbread, it was great to see our judges and the public enjoying the biscuits and trying to choose their favourites – it’s a tough job but someone had to do it!”
The Highland Shortbread Showdown final marked the end of two weeks of Food and Drink Festival events.
Hundreds of people attended the grand final where they were able to try the shortbread for themselves and vote for the public’s choice winner.
Finalists were chosen following local shortlisting events held by Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) from across the Highlands and Islands and some from mainland Scotland.
Expert judges included Jeni Iannetta from Bad Girl Bakery; KJ Gilmour from KJ’s Bothy Bakery; Paul Mackintosh from Mackenzie’s Bakery, who won the competition in 2023 and 2024; and Kelly Tadd, local foodie and content creator, better known as @haimandawa, alongside host for the day, Masterchef finalist Sarah Rankin.
Commenting on the event, judge Paul Mackintosh said: “What a fantastic day and what a fantastic winner! Both of Moira’s shortbreads really stood out. Moira from The Bake Hive is a worthy winner this year – congratulations!”
