The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland announced today that the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is open once again for applications from aspiring chefs working across Scotland.
Launched in 2019 with the late Andrew Fairlie leading the initiative, the scholarship is offered in partnership with HIT Scotland, a charity Fairlie was closely associated with. 2023 marks the fourth year of the scholarship, which continues to be supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI, and The Gleneagles Hotel.
Last year, the scholarship was awarded to Eddie Brown, granting him widespread recognition as an Andrew Fairlie scholar and providing him with a unique opportunity to expand his culinary education.
This year’s competition will be judged by an award winning panel of chefs, including Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, 2 Michelin starred Chef Sat Bains, 1 star Head Chef Lorna McNee of Cail Bruich, and Gary Maclean, Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland.
The winner of the 2023 scholarship will receive a two-day educational trip to France with Grand Cuisine. In addition, the scholar will gain hands-on experience at 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London, and 2-star Mélisse in Los Angeles. The experiences, which will be completed over two years, will also include a bespoke chef’s jacket for the winner.
Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, said, “The search for the 2023 Andrew Fairlie scholar has now started! Iam very much looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us this year.
“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration oftheapplicants’skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.
“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelinstarredchef. What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someonewho is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added, “We are delighted to once again open up applications for the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship. The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for chefs that are looking to advance their career and to continue their professional development in this remarkable industry.”
To apply, potential candidates should complete an application which can be found on the HIT Scotland website. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date. They will also have to design a dish to create on finals day.
This year candidates will need to display their innovation and expertise by creating a potato dish which will be cooked and served to the judges at the final, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!
The finalists will take part in the final skills test on Wednesday 22nd November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the recipient of the scholarship striking a fine balance between personality and professionalism throughout.
Applications open 15 August 2023 and close midnight 24 September 2023. Eligible candidates can find out more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland websitehere.
Picture: Last year’s winner, Eddie Brown.