What is Cullen Skink?
This rather odd name is said to come from the Gaelic word “Essence”. Initially, Cullen Skink referred to a type of broth made with the scrapings of beef from the front legs of cattle. Hard times in the early 1890s left the Northern people unable to buy this product. By this time, Cullen Harbour (completed in 1819) had become the thriving centre of herring fishing and the village also specialised in the production of smoked haddock. With many families in the local villages having a fishing background, they turned to smoked haddock which was in plentiful supply. By using smoked haddock and various other products all put together, a distinctive delicious soup was made and hence Cullen Skink was born.
Cullen Skink is now a tribute to the many wives and mothers from the village who over the past years have made Cullen Skink for their families. Today, Cullen Skink is made all around the world.
Where to eat Cullen Skink in Cullen
Cullen Skink is on the menu at the Cullen Bay Hotel, Cullen Beach Burger Van, The Royal Oak Hotel, Linda’s Fish & Chips, The Rockpool Cafe, Lily’s Kitchen Cafe, The Yellow Deli, The New Denver and The Seafield Arms Hotel.
Cullen Skink World Championships 2026 – Announcement of Winners
Traditional
Champion: Lynne Watson, Lily’s Kitchen Cafe, Cullen.
Runner Up: Kevin Hay.
People’s Choice Award Champion: Kevin Hay.
Twist
Champion: Ian Watson, Cullen Bay Hotel, Cullen.
Runner Up: Dom Wielgus, Mharsanta Restaurant, Glasgow.
People’s Choice Award Champion: Kellie Spooner, The Aberlour Hotel, Aberlour.
Cullen Skink World Championships Hall of Fame
| YEAR | TRADITIONAL | TWIST | PEOPLE’S CHOICE TRADITIONAL | PEOPLE’S CHOICE TWIST |
| 2012 | Nigel Ross | – | – | – |
| 2013 | Tracey Fuller | – | – | – |
| 2014 | Neal Robertson | Ian Watson | – | – |
| 2015 | Ian Watson | Alex Grahame | – | – |
| 2017 | Ian Watson | Margaret Macrae | – | – |
| 2018 | Lynne Watson | Ian Watson | – | – |
| 2020 | Margaret Macrae | Margaret Macrae | – | – |
| 2023 | Margaret Macrae | Luke Green | – | – |
| 2024 | Kellie Spooner | Kellie Spooner | Alison Taylor | Kai-Uwe Stutzkeitz |
| 2025 | Lynne Watson | John McCruden | John McCruden | Linsay McCallum |
| 2026 | Lynne Watson | Ian Watson | Kevin Hay | Kellie Spooner |
2027 Cullen Skink World Championships
The 2027 Cullen Skink World Championships take place on Sunday 7th March 2027.
If you would like to be added to the 2027 Cullen Skink World Championships mailing list in order to receive an entry form in January 2027, please email visit@discovercullen.com with 2027 Cullen Skink World Championships in the subject line.