Scotland’s up-and-coming chefs are being offered the chance to learn in one of the country’s most iconic kitchens – at The Ritz in London.
A five-day stage at The Ritz, led by executive chef John Williams MBE, will be undertaken by the successful applicant for the newly-created Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award.
Now open for applications, the new scholarship was created to celebrate the Michelin Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland taking place in Scotland for the first time.
As a legacy project from that event, which was held at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in February, the new scholarship aims to showcase the ‘inspirational development opportunities’ available to chefs in Scotland, while providing a stepping stone for those looking to progress in their career.
Applications are welcomed from any chef in Scotland with at least five years’ experience working full-time in a professional kitchen, with entries closing on Friday, 13th June 2025.
As well as looking for ‘ambition, enthusiasm and a desire to progress within the industry’, the panel of judges will seek examples of how applicants have shown commitment to sourcing and promoting quality Scottish food and drink, and how they would become an ambassador for Scotland’s ‘exceptional ingredients’ on completion of the internship.
After applications received are judged, the top three candidates will be invited for interview, and the scholarship winner will be announced at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, taking place on Thursday, 4th September at DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow.
Head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, Fiona Richmond, said: “Having the Michelin Award Ceremony held in Scotland for the first time shone a spotlight on the wealth of talent we have working in kitchens up and down the country – and the new Legacy Scholarship is an important part of helping the next generation develop skills and progress their career.
“We are excited to hear from chefs who have a passion for working with Scotland’s unparalleled larder, from seafood and dairy to whisky and beef, and would encourage anyone looking to take the next step in their culinary journey to apply,” said Richmond.
“John Williams and the team at The Ritz are world-renowned for their skill, refinement and dedication, so this Scholarship represents a unique opportunity for a Scottish chef to hone their craft.”
CEO of HIT Scotland, David Cochrane, added: “These opportunities are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from the best of the best, and enhance your skills and knowledge with one of the top practitioners in the country.
“We are proud to support this legacy from the Awards, and this will be a very desirable learning experience at The Ritz.”
Chef Williams commented: “I believe that strong mentorship and quality training are essential to shaping the next generation of industry leaders, and we would be honoured to welcome the winner to spend a week with us at The Ritz London.”
For more information about the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award – and how to apply – visit: https://hitscotland.co.uk/legacy-scholarship
