David Millar, executive chef at Carlowrie Castle, has been named Scottish Chef of the Year 2025.
Millar, who recently competed in the televised Great British Menu contest, reportedly ‘wowed’ judges at the Scottish Culinary Championships held in Glasgow as part of the ScotHot hospitality event.
The SCC competition tested chefs on their creativity and technical mastery in an three hour cook-off, where Millar’s menu ultimately took first place.
Millar said: “To win the Scottish Chef of the Year is the result of years of hard work, months of planning, and hours and hours of run-throughs.
“Within the chef community it’s a very prestigious honour and I’m over the moon to take the title. To have the judges eat my food that I was happy with was massive for me, I have zero regrets.’’
Inspired by Scotland’s natural and built landscapes, Millar’s winning menu was named Anam na Tirè, which in Gaelic translates as ‘the soul of the land’.
His four dishes had a strong theme relating to the cycle of life and sustainability, including a main course of sustainably sourced venison from Ronay Island with a potato scone, celeriac and bramble sauce.
This year’s championships were judged by a panel that included previous winners of the award and Michelin starred chefs, Lorna Macnee, Kevin Macgullivery, Orry Shand, Ross Sneddon and Stevie MacLaughlin.
As executive chef at the distinguished Carlowrie Castle, Millar oversees all meals for the venue’s busy calendar of weddings, corporate events, and private stays.
As the first and only B Corp certified castle in the world, Carlowrie is said to have ‘exceptionally high standards’ of social and environmental practices, including using seasonal and sustainably sourced ingredients, many of which are grown on the Carlowrie estate.
Carlowrie Castle’s operations director Keith Taylor said: “David’s creativity and dedication make him a true force in Scottish hospitality.
“His commitment to crafting outstanding dishes using sustainably sourced and local produce is admirable and his leadership and expertise have elevated our entire kitchen team, inspiring a new level of excellence. This award is very well deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
