Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2025

Meet the Finalists - Jay McLeish

Chef de Partie, Schloss Roxburghe Hotel

Where are you from originally, where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I’m originally from Edinburgh and have always lived here, still do to this day.

What inspired you to apply for the scholarship?

I applied for the scholarship mainly for the experience but also for the chance to win an opportunity of a lifetime to become an even better chef.

Have you always wanted to be a chef, what made you choose this career?

I honestly got into this career by accident. My first job in a “kitchen” was at IKEA and I just fell in love with the environment. I decided to continue with this career as I discovered a deep passion for food and I had a drive to make a name for myself.

What do you love about working as a chef?

 I personally love being able to make food the guest will go on to tell their family and friends about and will be a core memory for them. I also love the close knit family feeling you get with the people you work with.

What is your favourite ingredient to work with and why?

My favourite ingredient has got to be anything Fish. Fish has so much variety and if sourced correctly it can be absolutely wonderful. Everywhere in the world has its own unique way of using it and that’s what makes it so interesting for me. 

What are your opes for your future career as a chef?

In the near future I would like to begin travelling abroad to gain as much knowledge of different aspects of cooking and cuisines to help me later on in my career. I would love to someday be able to open a place of my own and be able to share my experiences and knowledge with anyone I work with.