Scotland’s former national chef of the year, Orry Shand, has revealed plans to open his first independent restaurant at an Aberdeenshire beauty spot this summer.
Shand, 36, is reviving the former Falls of Feugh restaurant, just across the River Dee from Banchory, which closed its doors at the end of 2025.
A major half a million-pound interior makeover of the venue is now underway, with the aim of creating an ‘intimate destination restaurant’ with views towards the river and surrounding woodland.
Taking inspiration from its riverside location, the restaurant has been renamed as Falls by Orry Shand.
It is anticipated that 10 local jobs will be created as part of the development.
Shand has worked in kitchens from the age of 14, including the former Michelin-starred Number One at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh, as well as under the mentorship of Andrew Fairlie at the two Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.
He was crowned Scottish Chef of the year in 2019 and National Chef of the Year in 2024-25.
Falls by Orry Shand promises to be ‘rooted in Royal Deeside’, celebrating local produce and the region’s distinctive character.
The plan is to have a set multi course tasting menu comprising between 12 to 15 servings, blending Scottish ingredients with Nordic inspiration and classic French cooking techniques.
“This is without doubt one of the most personal achievements and significant milestones in my 22-year culinary career,” said Shand.
“Being Aberdeenshire born and bred, it means so much to me, my family and team to be rooted in the region, celebrating its local produce and its distinctive character.
“This site offers the perfect riverside location to launch my own independent restaurant. We looked at several locations in the shire and city, but fell in love with the Falls site as soon as we saw it, as it’s so dramatic,” he said.
“The building itself is full of history and character, creating a relaxed fine dining experience, like you’re dining at home. The intimate venue will allow us to provide personal attention to each guest. There will also be a seamless flow between rooms, creating a curated journey.”
The announcement of Falls by Orry Shand coincides with the chef’s appearance on the new series of the BBC’s Great British Menu, with the Scottish round of the competition due to be broadcast tonight, Tuesday 3rd March.
He added: “I’m also extremely proud to be representing Aberdeenshire and competing to represent Scotland on national TV, as part of the BBC’s Great British Menu this spring.
“I’d like to thank my Wife, family, friends and team for their continued support, which really has made this become a reality.”
