The 2025 food fest features a MasterChef finalist dinner and a shortbread competition in Inverness and Loch Ness.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness organizes the festival, which starts on February 22nd and ends on March 8th. They have lots of cool stuff planned for those two weeks.
The Highland Shortbread Showdown is back again this year. “Taste of Inverness” will showcase the best local food the region has to offer. Finally, there is also a special dinner event with Sarah Rankin, a MasterChef finalist, being hosted.
“Taste of Inverness” is planned for March 1st at Kingsmills Hotel. You can meet local producers and buy local goods during the event. Loch Ness Ice Cream and Xoko Bakehouse will both give talks at the event. Chefs from Angry Seagull and Ness Walk will also do cooking demos.
The sold-out dinner is on February 28th. It highlights the area’s rich food history. They will source items from small producers and feature bread, greens, seafood, meats, plus local drinks.
Sarah Rankin hosts the dinner, and she will share engaging stories from the producers. It should be a fun, immersive food night that will allow you to discover the best of Inverness and Loch Ness.
They offer special experiences and deals throughout the festival. Check out discounts at participating restaurants and bars. The Lovat has special truffle making and drink tasting events. The Gabbler Anthology event happens in Beauly, where diners will enjoy both food and stories.
The Shortbread Showdown is the closing event, happening on March 8th at Eden Court in Inverness. Bakers from eleven regions will compete for the coveted title. Williamson Foodservice proudly sponsors the baking event.
Sarah Rankin hosts the final event. Judges include Jeni Iannetta, KJ Gilmour, Paul Mackintosh, and Kelly Tadd. Attendees can taste and vote for their favorite shortbread.
Emma Harrison highlights the importance of the food events. The area boasts amazing food vendors, and talented chefs and bakers will share their skills with attendees. Locals and tourists are encouraged to support businesses at the festival. She hopes people come and vote for their favorites as the Shortbread Showdown crowns a champion.