Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has announced that the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is again seeking applications from aspiring chefs working in Scotland and this year it also applies to chefs on furlough or who have been made redundant.
The scholarship, now in its second year, sponsored jointly by HIT Scotland, the Scottish Government and Gleneagles, is awarded annually to a male and female chef who want to progress their career, and it reflects Andrew Fairlie’s unwavering commitment to diversity in the kitchen.
The recipients will gain industry-wide recognition as Andrew Fairlie Scholars and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to continue their culinary education, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at 2 Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.
Last year, the scholarships were awarded to Emma-Rose Milligan, 24, from Kilmarnock, Demi Chef de Partie at Chez Roux at Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, and Joseph Harte, 24, a Junior Sous Chef at Douneside House in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
The judges remain the same as last year, with 2 Michelin starred chefs Tom Kerridge and Sat Bains, Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary McLean, Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Lorna McNee, Head Chef at Cail Bruich, and Andrew’s former mentor Keith Podmore all lending their expertise.
In support of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said,“This is a fantastic opportunity in memory of one of Scotland’s most inspirational chefs and I would encourage any aspiring chefs to consider applying.
“The hospitality industry has been severely impacted by the current pandemic and it will be vital as we move towards the safe and sustained recovery of the sector that we make the most of Scotland’s wealth of talent, skills and creativity.
“This scholarship will once again provide a fantastic opportunity for two chefs to enhance not only Scotland’s reputation but their own, as they forge what will undoubtedly be successful careers.”
David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added,“We were extremely impressed with the quality of last year’s entrants, who truly showed the high calibre of chefs who are working and learning in restaurants across Scotland.
“It is very exciting to again be launching the search for those chefs who represent the values of Andrew Fairlie. We’re looking for people who demonstrate his work ethic, integrity and passion for excellence and who will continue to represent these qualities in Andrew’s name as they forge their careers.”
Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, said, “Gleneagles is delighted
to continue in its support of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, and carry on the work that Andrew so passionately started. Now, more than ever, it will be crucial to do all we can to provide a platform to the emerging talent within the Scottish hospitality industry, and we are excited to see what the future holds for the recipients and to be playing just a small role in what we are confident will be very promising careers.”
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said, “I am so excited to have the ball rolling again on year two! All our finalists displayed fabulous skills and each one of them showed a true passion for learning.They also had a wonderful attitude towards each other. Chef Andrew would have been over the moon with our two winners. Joe and Emma-Rose both displayed everything required that comes with the responsibility of being an Andrew Fairlie Scholar.
“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a must enter experience for chefs that truly want to learn, develop and flourish in an industry that genuinely allows passionate, committed people to be as good as they want to be.”
To apply, potential candidates will complete an online application stating why they feel that they should win the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, and what they think ittakes to run a successful kitchen.The finalists will take part in a skills test which will focus on their knowledge and creativity, with the winners showing the right mix of personality and professionalism to be named an Andrew Fairlie Scholar. Eligible applicants can find out more information by visiting https:// hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships/