AN INDUSTRY scholarship recognised as Scotland’s top educational opportunity for aspiring chefs is now inviting candidate applications for its 2023 award.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship was launched in 2019, fronted by the late Andrew Fairlie, and provided in partnership with industry charity HIT Scotland.
Now in its fourth year, the scholarship continues to be supported by HIT Scotland, alongside Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel, and is regarded as a fantastic opportunity for any chef looking to grow their knowledge and gain experience within world-renowned establishments.
Last year, Eddie Brown, of The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Dornoch, was awarded the scholarship, earning him industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie scholar and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build on his culinary education.
The 2023 competition will be judged by an all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs – Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin-starred chef Sat Bains, 1-star head chef at Cail Bruich and winner of Great British Menu, Lorna McNee, and Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary Maclean.
This year’s scholarship winner will be taken on a two-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine, and gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, and the 2-star Mélisse in Los Angeles, as well as a bespoke chef’s jacket.
These experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the scholar to develop their learnings over a period of time.
Chef McLaughlin, commented: “The search for the 2023 Andrew Fairlie scholar has now started! I am very much looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us this year.
“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration of the applicants’ skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.
“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelin starred chef,” he stressed. “What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someone who is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”
Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, David Cochrane MBE, added: “We are delighted to once again open up applications for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for chefs that are looking to advance their career and to continue their professional development in this remarkable industry.”
To apply, candidates should complete an application which can be found on the HIT Scotland website, which will ask what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date. They will also have to design a dish to create on finals day.
This year candidates will be asked to display their innovation and expertise by creating a potato dish which will be cooked and served to the judges at the final, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
The finalists will take part in the final skills test on Wednesday 22nd November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation at The Gleneagles Hotel.
Applications opened on 15 August and will close midnight 24 September, 2023. Find out more about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.
