Cullen skink souperstar named at world championships

The winner of the Cullen Skink World Championships has been crowned.

Cullen skink is a popular traditional Scottish soup made primarily with smoked haddock, milk, potato and onion.

The contest was held in the Moray town of Cullen on Sunday, featuring professional chefs alongside amateurs.

Kellie Spooner, from the Aberlour Hotel, won both the traditional recipe and 'with-a-twist' contests.

Her successful 'with-a-twist' recipe featured the addition of flavours including haggis and black pudding (blaggis) bonbons and deep-fried capers.

She said she did not expect to win one title, let alone both - only the second time it has ever happened.

"I got two, I am so chuffed," she told BBC Scotland News.

Her advice to others was: "Enjoy cooking the skink and just do whatever you want to do."

Competitors had 45-minutes to prepare their dishes.

These were for both the judging panel and spectators to try during the event at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.

Such was the demand for tasting by those coming through the doors that spoons were sometimes in short supply.

Spectators were able to vote for people's choice winners, which went to Alison Taylor in the traditional section, and Kai-Uwe Stutzkeitz for his twist which included wild garlic pesto.

Sunday's competition was held in memory of Graham Bell.

The treasurer and secretary of the Discover Cullen organisation died in December.

He was well-known in the area, and was described as playing a key role in organising the Cullen Skink World Championships.

David McCubbin, of Discover Cullen, told the competitors and audience: "Graham was always very good at organising this.

"We hope this has been a fitting tribute today."

This story's writer, BBC Scotland reporter Ken Banks, was one of the unsuccessful participants in the traditional recipe contest - but can also report that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.