Moira Lindores from The Bake Hive in South of Scotland has been crowned overall champion at the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025, sponsored by Williamson Foodservice.
Moira triumphed against 12 other bakers from businesses across the Highlands and beyond at the grand final held at Eden Court on 8 March. Moira entered her traditional shortbread and a pistachio and rose shortbread, flavoured with pistachios and Turkish Delight pieces. Based on both bakes, the judges deemed her deserving of the title of Highland Shortbread Showdown Champion 2025.
As part of the competition, Chloe Milne from Fisher & Donaldson in Fife won best flavoured shortbread and Connor Macleod from Pentland Hotel in Thurso won best traditional shortbread.
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.
Dorothy Morrison from R MacDonald & Sons in Inverness was the winner of the public’s choice award.
Chloe Milne from Fisher & Donaldson also won the best dressed stall and a special commendation was made to Christine Ann De Agostini from Logie Steading for most improved shortbread from last year’s entry.
Finalists were chosen following local shortlisting events held by Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) from across the Highlands and Islands and some from mainland Scotland.
The Highland Shortbread Showdown final marked the end of two weeks of Food and Drink Festival events, organised by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN).
“Congratulations to Moira Lindores and all our winners at the Highland Shortbread Showdown 2025,” said Emma Harrison, Destination Development Manager at Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
“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!”
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!”
2025 champion Moira Lindores from The Bake Hive added: “I was absolutely delighted to be named overall winner. The feedback from the judges and the public was amazing. Thank you to everyone involved, we had a great day.”
