A Fife optician has set his sights on glory at this weekend’s World Porridge Making Championships.
John Ferrier, who is a director at Ferrier and MacKinnon Optometrists, will join 22 other finalists from across the world in Carrbridge on Saturday vying for the famous ‘Golden Spurtle’.
John, who has worked in the region for more than 25 years, hopes his enthusiasm for oatmeal will not just bring the prestigious prize back to Fife but will also encourage people to improve their personal eye health by making healthier choices with their diet.
“I’ve always taken an interest in eye health and, as many of my patients will tell you, I’m forever encouraging them to incorporate foods with benefits to eye health – for example, fish is rich in omega-3 which can reduce the symptoms of dry eye.” he said.
“Healthy lifestyle choices including diet and regular free NHS eye examinations are not just important, but they’re essential.
“If doing this can encourage just one person to introduce porridge into their diet in a healthy way, or encourage them to try new foods that relate to their eye health, I’ll be very happy indeed.”
Having learned of John’s love for porridge, one of his regular patients pointed him in the direction of the World Porridge Championships and the rest, they say, is history.
“Discovering the championship was great, but to be a finalist is really exciting,” he added.
“I’m always making porridge for breakfast – it’s become a running joke in the family – but now I’ve really stepped up a gear.
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“It’s going to be such a great event and it’s a real honour.”
Competitors from the USA, Russia, Switzerland, Holland, Iceland and Sweden will be among those taking part, although the title of World Porridge Making Champion will only go to the person who makes the best traditional porridge using only three ingredients – oatmeal, salt and water.
The porridge will also be judged on three factors, namely consistency, taste and colour, and there is also a speciality competition where entrants are encouraged to get creative.
John continued: “I’ve created a special secret porridge to help my sons.
“They all play rugby, so it gives them the energy boost they need to train and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
“Although, apparently not enough energy to do the washing up!”
