YOUNG chefs working in Scotland have the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime experience as the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship reopens for entries.
Established last year in memory of the two Michelin Star chef, who passed away in early 2019, the scholarship gives two chefs the opportunity to experience working in an international kitchen as well as at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.
The scholarship is sponsored jointly by industry charity the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, Gleneagles and the Scottish Government and is judged by a panel including Michelin Star chefs Tom Kerridge and Sat Bains, national chef of Scotland Gary Maclean Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Cail Bruich head chef Lorna McNee and Keith Podmore, Fairlie’s former mentor.
HIT Scotland chief executive, David Cochrane, said: “We were extremely impressed with the quality of last year’s entrants, who truly showed the high calibre of chefs who are working and learning in restaurants across Scotland.
“It is very exciting to again be launching the search for those chefs who represent the values of Andrew Fairlie. We’re looking for people who demonstrate his work ethic, integrity and passion for excellence and who will continue to represent these qualities in Andrew’s name as they forge their careers.”
Last year’s inaugural scholarship was won by Emma-Rose Milligan of Inverlochy Castle Hotel in Fort William and Joseph Harte of Douneside House in Aboyne.
McLaughlin said Fairlie “would have been over the moon with our two winners”.
“Joe and Emma-Rose both displayed everything required that comes with the responsibility of being an Andrew Fairlie scholar,” said McLaughlin.
“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a must enter experience for chefs that truly want to learn, develop and flourish in an industry that genuinely allows passionate, committed people to be as good as they want to be.”
To apply for this year’s scholarship potential candidates should complete an online application at hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships.
The scholarship is open to anyone working as a chef in Scotland, including those who are currently on furlough or have been made redundant due to COVID-19.
