Still time to apply for Andrew Fairlie Scholarship

The chef set up the Fairlie Scholarship to inspire the next generation
The chef set up the Fairlie Scholarship to inspire the next generation

There’s still time for chefs to apply for the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland’s inaugural Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.

Described as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity, the scholarship – designed by the late chef – was launched in February.

As the first and youngest recipient of the Roux scholarship in 1984, Fairlie is said to have recognised the benefits such a scholarship can provide chefs.

Sponsored jointly by HIT Scotland, the Scottish Government and Gleneagles – where Fairlie established his two Michelin Star restaurant – the scholarship will be awarded annually to a male and female chef, providing them with a variety of culinary experiences including a stage at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, a practical stage at an international kitchen and a placement at the Culinary Institute of America.

To be considered, chefs must be over the age of 21, working as a chef in Scotland and complete an online application stating why they should win the scholarship. To assess creativity, judges, which include chefs Tom Kerridge and Gary Mclean, will ask entrants to design and cost a balanced three course lunch menu for four people, using Scottish produce, with a mid-summer’s day theme.

From there, a shortlist of eight entrants will be invited to Gleneagles in October to take part in the grand final, which will comprise of a personal interview and skills test.

Applications close at midnight on June 28.

Eligible chefs can find out more by visiting here.