The Golden Spurtle

I did wonder quite why Screen Australia had invested in a documentary about making porridge in the Scottish Highlands, but then we are introduced to a Sydney resident who like people from Canada, England, Holland and even Zimbabwe has travelled to the village of Carrbridge in the Cairngorms and it becomes a bit clearer. It’s here that every year for the last thirty, Charlie Miller has organised the World Porridge Making Championships. He has long retired from his professional career and now augments the funds of his organisation by turning the odd spurtle - including a golden one which is the grand prize. All comers must conform to the same rules and are allowed half an hour to make the perfect dish! It’s the Scots tradition to use water (I only ever use milk) and some folks put sea-salt in it too, but the three judges on hand to award the very distinctive trophy know exactly what they are looking for: colour, texture and taste. Aside from learning about the difference between pinhead oats and ordinary ones, we also learn a little about this engaging gent and his lively and quirky community nestled amidst the hills and only a short hop from the Spey - the source of water for so many of the nation’s famous malt whiskies. The documentary takes us behind the scenes as they erect the tent, dress the village hall and even iron the flags that adorn the walls before the big day (and a thunderstorm) arrives. It’s a simply told story that relies on friendly, informative and cheeky contributions from residents, the competitors and from the typically understated Miller himself as he looks to retire, through ill-health, after this 2023 event. I’m not so sure about putting honey on it, but I do quite like cinnamon on mine - and I even picked the winner, too!