Compete at the Championships
Three categories — Pro, Amateur, Young Baker. Traditional is mandatory; Specialist is optional. Panel-blind judging on Saturday 21 November 2026.
How to enter
Entries are open from June 2026 until close of play on 30th September 2026. Choose your category, agree to the Rules of Entry, pay your entry fee, and you're entered.
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1.
Choose your category
Pick Pro, Amateur, or Young Baker. Traditional is mandatory; Specialist is optional — add up to two.
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2.
Read & agree to the Rules of Entry
Full rules govern recipe constraints, judging, and the day itself. See Rules of Entry.
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3.
Pay your entry fee
Fees vary by category — see the full breakdown below before you book.
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4.
Bring your bake on the day
Bake your shortbread in advance — there's no baking at the venue. Bring your finished entry and the ingredients you used (they form part of your table) to Inverness on Saturday 21 November 2026 and set up; the rest is panel-blind judging and a generous day for the public.
Before you book
Every entrant must enter the Traditional category. Specialist is optional — you can enter alongside Traditional but not on its own.
Entry fees
- Professional — £50
- Amateur — £25
- Young Baker — £10
By entering you agree to the Rules of Entry.
Book your entry
Pay your entry fee below — Pro, Amateur, or Young Baker.
Competitor FAQs
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Can I enter from outside the UK?
Yes — international entrants are welcome. Entry is open to bakers from anywhere in the world; you are responsible for your own travel and for bringing your finished bakes — along with the ingredients you used, which form part of your table — to Inverness on event day. -
Do I bake at the venue, or bring my shortbread ready-made?
All baking is done in advance — there is no baking at the venue. Bring your finished shortbread to Inverness on event day and set up your table — which includes the raw ingredients you used — along with the tasting samples and judging pieces. See the Rules of Entry for the full table layout. -
Which category should I enter — Professional or Amateur?
If you receive any income from your baking, you must enter as a Professional — Amateur is only for bakers who do not sell their goods. Professionals also need to be registered with their local Environmental Health Officer (or their country's equivalent food-safety authority). Young Baker is open to under-16s. The Rules of Entry sets out each category in full. -
Do I have to enter the Traditional category?
Yes. Every competitor must enter the Traditional category. You may then add up to two Specialist entries alongside it. -
How are allergens handled at judging?
You are responsible for declaring allergens. Judging is conducted with full ingredient transparency and tasting samples are labelled for the public.