Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s two Michelin-starred Head Chef, Stephen McLaughlin, is to continue in his role of Culinary Ambassador with Compass Scotland.
The arrangement sees McLaughlin acting as a consultant for Compass Scotland, and playing a central role in the organisation’s apprenticeship and training programme.
Core to the partnership is a series of three-month internships for Compass Scotland’s most promising apprentices, which lets them work alongside and learn from Stevie and his team in the Restaurant Andrew Fairlie kitchen, based at Gleneagles in Perthshire.
Stevie supports the full cohort of junior culinary apprentices with a series of workshops, and has mentored around 30 Compass Scotland chefs since the partnership began in 2022.
Compass Scotland MD, David Hay, said: “We’ve developed an excellent relationship with Stevie over the past two years and have loved working with him.
“The expertise that he provides is second to none, and the impact he has on our apprentices is something money can’t buy – there’s no doubt that he truly inspires them.
“The internship has literally changed the lives of some of those who have been fortunate enough to spend time with Stevie and his team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, as a brilliant addition to their Compass Scotland experience and roles.”
Stevie said: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved with Compass Scotland over the last few years. They’ve got a fantastic team of people who are really committed to developing the next generation of talent, and have a serious passion for food and hospitality.
“This is something I care strongly about and am especially honoured to be playing a part in their apprenticeship programme. Having started my own career by securing a placement at One Devonshire Gardens working alongside my mentor Andrew Fairlie, I truly understand the difference this opportunity can make to an aspiring chef,” said McLaughlin.
“There’s something very special about learning and refining your skills in a working kitchen environment, as you learn something new every day. I’m very much looking forward to continuing my relationship with Compass Scotland, helping to develop the next generation of Scottish hospitality talent.”
Director of Skills & Early Careers at Compass Group UK & Ireland, Jonathan Foot, added: “Through Compass’ Social Value commitments, the business is dedicated to its Mission to a Million pledge, which aims to positively impact one million lives by 2030 both within and outside the organisation.
“This partnership and internship offers a once in a lifetime opportunity that we’re honoured to be able to facilitate. I’m sure Stevie will continue to inspire our junior apprentices, and it will be great to see how he will develop our senior chefs as we start a new Culinary programme for them in 2025.”
