We do not permit the reproduction of our copyrighted content. Access and royalty payments for our content can be arranged through:
NLA Media Access Limited
Lonsdale Gardens
WC2H 9JQ
Tunbridge Wells
Tel: 01892 525273
The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has revealed the five finalists for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2024, scheduled for November 27. The finalists will compete for the prestigious scholarship during this event.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship provides aspiring chefs with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at some of the world’s leading culinary establishments, helping them enhance their skills and perfect their techniques.
Since its inception in 2019, the scholarship initiative, championed by the late Andrew Fairlie—a key figure in Scotland’s culinary landscape—has been offered in collaboration with HIT Scotland, a charity closely linked to Andrew. Now in its fifth year, it continues to receive support from HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI, and The Gleneagles Hotel.
The five talented chefs competing for the scholarship are:
– Allan MacDonald, 24, Breakfast CDP at The Balmoral
– Andrew Clark, 32, Head Chef at Entier
– Marcin Borek, 31, Chef de Partie at Fingal
– Michael Sutherland, 30, Senior Chef de Partie at Gleneagles
– Patryk Kasperek, 30, Chef de Partie at Fingal
On November 27, Perth College UHI will host the skills test and judging. The winners will be announced at Gleneagles. This year’s finalists have been tasked with creating an autumnal sharing dish for four using a short saddle of Scotch lamb, complemented by a spinach garnish, creamed polenta, and sauce.
An esteemed panel of top chefs will judge the 2024 competition, including Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, alongside fellow 2 Michelin-starred chefs Tom Kerridge and Sat Bains. Gary Maclean, MasterChef The Professionals winner and National Chef of Scotland, will also be evaluating the candidates’ performances.
The scholarship winner will embark on a remarkable two-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, gaining practical experience at the 2-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles. Additionally, the scholar will undertake a stage at the 3-Michelin-star Core by Clare Smyth in London and receive a custom chef’s jacket. These valuable experiences will be spaced over two years, allowing for continued development.
David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, remarked, “The incredible legacy of Andrew Fairlie carries on with this fifth annual Scholarship. It represents an extraordinary opportunity for emerging Scottish culinary talent, serving as a pathway to unparalleled industry prospects that will enhance their personal and professional growth.”
He added, “We were thrilled by the volume of applications from all over Scotland this year, making it challenging to select the final five. The finalists must be ready to impress our judges for a chance to win. We wish them the best of luck for November 27.”
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and lead judge, stated: “The finalists have demonstrated a clear understanding of the brief and have meticulously crafted their applications with thoughtful, simple, and concise recipes. Each submission looks delicious and has the potential to win; we eagerly anticipate tasting them. Their passion and skill are evident, making it challenging for the judges to choose the standout performance on Finals day.”
A notable first in sustainable agriculture from Riso Gallo.
