The competition to find the best recipe for a north-east delicacy has been moved to the spring in an attempt to boost its popularity.
Cullen Skink is famed across the globe with tourists heading to the Moray town where it was created to sample the flavours for themselves.
The world championship cooking contest has, until now, traditionally been held in the run-up to Christmas with entrants putting forward their own twist on the recipe for a blind taste test.
However, organisers have confirmed that the seventh incarnation will take place on March 8 next year amid hopes the date will boost its awareness while tying in with the Scottish Government’s year of coast and waters.
David McCubbin, chairman of the Cullen Voluntary Tourist Initiative, said: “Cullen Skink is famous across the world and we are proud in Cullen to be the birthplace of this famous dish.
“There is nowhere better to try Cullen Skink than here in Cullen itself. The competition is a fantastic way to raise awareness of Cullen Skink and the town itself and help to attract visitors to Cullen.
“By moving the competition to spring we will create even more awareness for Cullen for the 2020 tourism season.”
Two categories are now open with one for “traditional” recipes and the other for creations “with a twist”.
The deadline for entries is January 31, entries can be submitted by e-mailing visit@discovercullen.com for a form.