The Mary Aitken Trophy is a national preserves competition celebrating the time-honoured skills of crafting homemade jams and preserves. This year’s entry is a jar of marmalade, showcasing clarity, colour, and depth of flavour. Each submission should be carefully prepared and presented, reflecting traditional preserving techniques while allowing space for individual character in taste and finish.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Each Federation may submit one entry only.
  • Federations may hold local heats to select their representative entry.
Prize:
  • 1st Place: Mary Aitken Trophy
Important notes:
  • All entries will be judged and exhibited at the Members’ Gathering (formerly the National Conference) at the Apex Hotel, Dundee, on 11th & 12th September 2026.
  • Entry must be a Jar of Marmalade
  • There is no specified flavour, recipe or jar size - feel free to get creative with your entry.
Entries can be:
  • Delivered by hand at the Members' Gathering on Friday 11th September 2026, between 8am and 9am, OR
  • Delivered to a local Federation hub by Wednesday 9th September 2026.
We aim to coordinate with Federations to set up local drop-off and collection hubs, making entering easier and more cost-effective.

Key Dates & Entry Details
  • Entry form deadline: 26th June 2026 (no late entries accepted).
  • Entry fee: £10 per Federation entry.
  • Once your entry form is received, you will be emailed an identification number (e.g. MA01) to label your entry.
How to Enter
  1. Complete this entry form by 26th June 2026.
  2. You will receive an email with your identification number (e.g. MA01) to include with your entry.
  3. Pay the £10 entry fee via BACS or using the payment link at the end of the survey.
Payment Details:
  • Account name: Scottish Women's Institutes
  • Account number: 00763626
  • Sort code: 83-18-44
  • Reference: MA + your Federation (e.g. MAAYR)
Entry Details

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* Federation

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