HIT Scotland opens applications for Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2024

Industry charity, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, has opened applications for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, aimed at aspiring chefs working in Scotland.

The scholarship is aimed at developing the next generation of cheffing talent and offers opportunities for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience at renowned culinary establishments.

The scheme was launched in 2019 in tribute to the late Andrew Fairlie, multi-award winning chef and founder of Scotland’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, in the Gleneagles hotel. Provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, a charity Fairlie was closely associated with, the scholarship is now in its fifth year, and is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and Gleneagles.

The 2024 judging panel will be led by Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, alongside chef patrons of fellow two Michelin-starred venues, Tom Kerridge of the Hand and Flowers and Sat Bains at Restaurant Sat Bains. Gary Maclean, the winner of MasterChef the Professionals and National Chef of Scotland, will also be judging the candidates on their performance.

Candidates must complete an application form on the HIT Scotland website by 22 September. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date.

Applicants will also need to design an autumnal sharing dish for four people, made from a short saddle of Scotch lamb. Those awarded a finals day place will be asked to recreate the recipe in real-time for the judges, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day.

Up to six chefs will be chosen to take part in the grand final, a skills test on Wednesday 27 November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation to the winner at Gleneagles.

The test will focus on the candidates’ technical skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the winner adjudged to be striking a balance between passion and professionalism.

The victor will be taken on a two-day educational trip to France with sponsor Grande Cuisine, gain hands-on experience at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, and undertake a stage at the three-star Core by Clare Smyth in London.

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s McLaughlin said: “The scholarship is a true chance to showcase your talent and passion, along with the opportunity to help yourself be guided and nurtured into being as good a chef as you want to be. The prizes for this year’s scholarship recipient are some of the best educational and development driven learning experiences in the world.

“Be mindful in your application to stay true to yourself and to pull from all your resources to make sure that your application is as polished as it can be. Only the very best applicants will make it to finals day.”

David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, added: “The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for upcoming culinary talent to gain practical experience in the finest establishments and learn from the very best chefs the world has to offer. With so much at stake, applicants must give it their all to impress the judges.”

Last year, the scholarship’s winners were Darren Seggie, lecturer of culinary arts at City of Glasgow College, and Rachel Bremner, commis pastry chef at the Balmoral. In 2022, Eddie Brown, sous chef at the Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle in Dornoch, took the crown.

Pictured, from left: 2023 judges Stephen McLaughlin; Gary Maclean; Sat Bains with 2023 winners Rachel Bremner and Darren Seggie.