Winners of 2021 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship revealed

Amy Stephenson and Josh Wilkinson have been announced as the winners of the 2021 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship following an exacting final at Perth College UHI.

It was the second time that the scholarship had been held following the inaugural event, launched by the Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) in 2019 in recognition of the late chef Andrew Fairlie’s lasting contribution to the catering industry.

Stephenson (pictured right), 22, junior sous chef at the Torridon hotel, Wester Ross, and Wilkinson (pictured left), 25, senior chef de partie at the Isle of Eriska hotel, Oban, impressed a panel of judges with their interpretation of a classic Andrew Fairlie dish - honey-glazed breast of duck with deep-fried leg meat in a sweet and sour dressing - and two complimentary garnishes.

They triumphed over three other finalists: Spud Henderson, 32, chef de partie, Carig Miller@16 West End, St Monans; Ryan McCutcheon, 29, chef patron, Achray House hotel, Crieff; and Peter Meechen, 24, chef de partie, Glenturret Lalique restaurant, Crieff.

Stephen McLaughlin (pictured centre), lead judge and head chef at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Perthshire, said it had been “a thrill” to be involved in the second scholarship after the cancellation of last year’s event due to Covid.

He said: “Full credit goes to all our finalists, who have maintained their match fitness in the run up to the final. Every one of the finalists showed great desire and passion to become one of the next Andrew Fairlie Scholars, and many congratulations to Amy and Josh who came out on top and will now receive some inspirational and educational experiences to help build their careers.”

McLaughlin was joined on the judging panel by Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains, Lorna McNee, and Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean.

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland chief executive, said: “After the challenges of the last couple of years, it was truly inspiring to see this group of talented chefs in action, showing off their creativity, hard work and dedication to their craft.”

Conor O’Leary, managing director of Gleneagles, where the winners were announced, added: “The flair, creativity and passion displayed by all the finalists echoes the culture of excellence that Andrew established and is testament to the extraordinary pool of culinary talent we have here in Scotland. We're thrilled for the winning recipients and look forward to following their careers and supporting them as they develop as chefs."

Stephenson and Wilkinson, who follow in the footsteps of inaugural scholarship winners Emma-Rose Milligan and Joseph Harte, will now undergo a series of educational and inspirational experiences, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and three-Michelin-star restaurant Core by Clare Smyth in London.