By Rosalind Erskine

Copyright scotsman

For those who like nothing better than to tuck into a bowl of hot and hearty porridge each morning, VisitScotland has launched a dedicated map, highlighting some of the great oat-based experiences across Scotland.

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Scotland’s Porridge: A Nation in a Bowl, published by the national tourism and events organisation, calls it the ‘perfect fuel’ to explore Scotland and includes a historical timeline of porridge in Scotland and some quirky facts, alongside 18 locations associated with the dish and other oat-based delicacies such as oatcakes.

Scotland’s Porridge: A Nation in a Bowl includes Skibhoul Bakery on the Isle of Unst, Shetland – the UK’s most northerly bakery – where their unique oceanic oatcakes are made using seawater and the Black Isle Brewery in Munlochy, in the Highlands, where visitors can take a tour and taste their Oatmeal Stout. Another type of porridge entirely can be discovered at the Devil’s Porridge Museum in Dumfries & Galloway.

The map, which is available to view and download at the Visit Scotland website and is an updated version of The Porridge Grand Tour of Scotland – previously published by VisitScotland in 2017.

The map has been launched to coincide with the release of The Golden Spurtle – a documentary celebrating the annual World Porridge Making Championship held in Carrbridge in the Highlands. It opens in UK and Ireland cinemas on September 12 and later this year in a number of international markets.

The documentary follows the 2023 World Porridge Making Championship, and the last events of the former porridge chieftain, Charlie Miller, who retired that year.

The Golden Spurtle World Porridge Making Championship draws competitors from across the globe, celebrating tradition and innovation with every stirring spoonful. This year, the competition takes place on October 4 and entrants are all hoping to create the perfect bowl to impress the judges.

The Golden Spurtle, a co-production between Australia’s Hytra Films and Scotland’s Hopscotch Films, tells the story of the quirky but coveted championship and showcases the determined competitors from around the world and their quest for porridge prestige.

Alan Rankin, porridge chieftain of the Championship event, said: “What could be more simple than oats, salt and water yet what could be more complex and challenging to make that perfect bowl?

“Everyone will have a favourite way to make and serve this humble dish. I for one mix coarse pinhead oats with my porridge oats to make a wonderful porridge with a nutty crunch. Some days, a squirt of honey adds a sweetness. Each to their own! 

“The Golden Spurtle is now in its 32nd year. What started as an effort to extend the tourism season in Carrbridge has grown to be an internationally recognised culinary event attracting competitors from around the world.

“The 2025 event has attracted over 60 entries from 14 countries, each hopeful of carrying off the coveted Golden Spurtle and title of World Porridge Making Champion. The event has maintained its quirky friendly persona, behind which is a burning competitive desire to win. The Golden Spurtle film captures the essence of our event and the characters that make it so special.”

Jill Walker, director of marketing and digital at VisitScotland, added: “Scots have a deep-rooted affection and strong cultural connection to porridge and every home has surely had the age-old argument of ‘water or milk?’ and ‘with or without salt?’

“Scotland’s porridge heritage is as rich and warming as the dish itself and our map celebrates the creativity and passion of local producers, bakeries and breweries as well as the history of porridge and oats relating to Scotland.

“It highlights Carrbridge and 17 other locations – as far apart as Shetland, Islay and Kelso – where visitors can enjoy porridge, oatcakes or other oat-based experiences, including working mills, museums and places to stay.”

“According to our research, 1.78 million overnight trips in Scotland by GB residents involved buying or tasting local food, so we know visitors are seeking authentic local experiences.

“The map is a delicious way to celebrate the release of the Golden Spurtle film and shine a spotlight on our amazing food and drink offering, encourage visitors to explore new places and experience the unique flavours that make Scotland such a memorable destination.”

Constantine Costi, director of The Golden Spurtle, said: “In making The Golden Spurtle, I wanted to capture a world of small curiosities and quiet dreams. To find a story rooted in salt-of-the-earth people whose warmth and humour reflect something essential in all of us.

“Porridge may seem like a simple dish – just oats, salt, and water, but its history stretches back to ancient times, and its variations tell a story as rich as the landscapes that surround it.

“Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, I found a charming cast of characters who inhabit a world both enormous and small, and all the delightful wit and charm that goes with it.”

Fiona Richmond, head of regionalfFood, Scotland Food & Drink, said: “VisitScotland’s porridge map is an excellent resource featuring some of the great experiences around Scotland that focus on oats, a key staple in any Scot’s kitchen cupboard.

“From farm visits to museum exhibitions and brewery tours, there is something for everyone to discover, and the breadth of experiences shows just how important food tourism is to our communities and economy.”

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