Chef Pete Gottgens wins Spirit of Scotland Food Award

Ardeonaig hotel and restaurant chef-owner Pete Gottgens has been awarded the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Food Award.

The rural Perthshire hotelier fought off stiff competition from Edinburgh's Paul Kitching of 21212 and Michelin-starred Tom Kitchin (The Kitchin) to win the Food Award at the awards ceremony at Edinburgh's Prestonfield House last night.

The Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards were devised to mark the achievements of independently-minded individuals who make significant contributions to Scottish cultural life. Singer Susan Boyle (of Britain's Got Talent fame) was awarded the Top Scot award on the night.

Gottgens said: "It is a true honour to have been given this accolade. However, it is certainly not about one person. I have a great team working with me at Ardeonaig to whom I am forever grateful. My respect for the farmers, crofters and fishermen continues to grow, along with our fantastic local suppliers who are often the invisible food heroes of Scotland. These are the people who produce the goods that continue to truly inspire Scotland's chefs."

With the recent acquisition of nearby Ardtalnaig Estate, Gottgens, who was praised for his use of Scottish ingredients, is now actively involved in overseeing how the produce destined for Ardeonaig's tables is grown and reared then foraged, harvested or slaughtered.

The chef also won one of Scotland's other most prestigious accolades, Entrepreneur of the Year, at the SLTN Awards in October, along with the Wine Award.

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By Rosie Birkett

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