IN a major Scottish embarrassment an American has been crowned World Porridge Making Champion.

Bob Moore, 87, from Portland, Oregon, won the coveted Golden Spurtle for his efforts at the 23rd annual event in Carrbridge, in Badenoch and Strathspey.

The title is awarded to the contestant who makes the best traditional porridge using just three ingredients – oatmeal, salt and water.

Moore, who used to run a wholegrain food business, said: "I couldn't believe it when my name was announced. It is so meaningful to me to win the Golden Spurtle. I've devoted my life to eating and producing good wholegrain food and this really has made me so happy."

There is also a speciality competition for sweet or savoury porridge dishes which was won by Norwegian Thorbjorn Kristensen for the second year running.

He combined eggs, butter, vanilla sugar, cream and liqueur with porridge in a dish titled 'Unexpected Guests'.