Ukrainian Refugee Set to Compete in World Buttery Championship

A Ukrainian refugee, who relocated to Scotland after fleeing the conflict with Russia, is slated to participate in the World Buttery Championship. This renowned Aberdeen specialty, crafted from lard, butter, and sugar, is also known as a rowie. Iryna Porfilova, who moved to Moray from Kyiv in 2022, commenced making butteries approximately eighteen months ago. The 52-year-old has been simultaneously learning to speak English and familiarizing herself with butteries. The World Championship in Aberdeen is being held for the first time since 2018 and features both professional and amateur categories. The Ukrainian national is employed at Bakes You Knead, a shop located in Forres. Chris Gair, the owner, extended a job offer to her after learning she was seeking employment. Ms. Porfilova was unable to speak English upon her arrival in the country. She has since been acquiring the language while also mastering the art of making butteries, despite her homeland not having a comparable food item. “In Ukraine we have lots of different types of bread”, she said. “But nothing like butteries, they are really tasty, but I am gluten free, but I still eat them.” Iryna arrived in the village of Dyke, near Forres, in December 2022, and stated that she feels “settled” and “happy” in Scotland. The baker is uncertain about her return to her home country following a visit in October. She further commented: “The situation is getting worse and when I got back to Scotland I decided to keep living here. “Every day Ukraine is getting bombed and it is not a good way of life. “Scotland gives me security and that is really important.”” Mr. Gair, who has been instructing Iryna on how to make butteries, noted that they produce them entirely by hand, without the use of any machinery. He stated: “She makes them better than I do but I can just claim the recipe. “If we don’t win, we don’t win. We’ve given it a shot and are looking forward to it.”” Ms. Porfilova expressed that she is “a little bit nervous” regarding the event and indicated a potential desire to bring her recipe back to Kyiv someday. “I really do like them, so tasty”, she remarked. The World Buttery Championship 2024 is scheduled for Thursday at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen.