Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Application 2022
CLOSED
Positioned as the ultimate scholarship that any aspiring chef in Scotland could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for any chef looking to grow their knowledge and gain experience within renowned establishments.
Sponsored by HIT Scotland and The Gleneagles Hotel, and supported by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Perth College UHI, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is now in its 3rd year (Covid meant we missed a year). The scholarship launched in 2019, with the late Andrew Fairlie spearheading the initiative in partnership with HIT Scotland – an industry charity he was closely associated with. Thank you to the Scottish Government for their support which allowed us to create this scholarship.
Applications for 2022 are now open! Read on to find out how to apply. The judges will be looking for a male or female chef with similar values, both personally and professionally, that Andrew had, and his restaurant continues to display, so the right attitude is key, along with professionalism and integrity.
They want to hear about your aspirations as a chef, and who within the industry has inspired you recently. Your knowledge and creativity will be shown through the design of a dish which you will have to cook on Finals day.
Find out about last year’s Final and the 2021 winners here.
The prize
The winning chef will receive a variety of once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences over a couple of years, enabling them to continue to grow in their career. Recipients will gain industry-wide recognition as an Andrew Fairlie Scholar and enjoy bespoke experiences including:
a stage at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles
a stage at Core by Clare Smyth in London
a practical stage in an international kitchen
a bespoke chef’s jacket from YourTex
Opportunities may vary year to year but will always be inspirational in nature.
Some prizes may require to be changed due to Covid
Read how our first winner, Emma-Rose, got on during her week placement at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie here
The judging panel
Tom Kerridge (Chef Patron, The Hand and Flowers), Stephen McLaughlin (Head Chef, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie),
Russell Plowman (Senior Sous Chef, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie), Gary Maclean (National Chef of Scotland, MasterChef: The Professionals Winner)
Meet the Judges
2020
The judges have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them, so we asked them some questions!
How they became successful / advice for aspiring chefs
Career plans / what they look for when employing a chef
What do you enjoy about teaching your team / last new thing you tried
2019
Click to get to know the judges and what they are looking for in an Andrew Fairlie Scholar, with these Q&As from last year.
Judging process
The judging process will involve some of the most talented Chefs in the UK, with an array of Michelin Stars between them.
Initially, there will be a paper judgement. This will explore your thoughts on why you’d like to win this scholarship and your hopes for your future career as a chef, allowing you to show your personality and your passion for the industry. You will also tell us who in the industry has recently inspired you, and why. You will show us your knowledge and creativity by creating a dish to be cooked and served on Finals Day in November, using your choice of wild furred Scottish game in season, with 2 garnishes (1 must include fruit), accompanied by a poivrade sauce. From this, up to 6 chefs will be chosen to take part in the Grand Final.
The Grand Final will be a skills test where you will show your knowledge, ability and your personal values. You will have to cook the dish from your application. This will take place at Perth College UHI on Thursday 17th November 2022.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship judging panel will decide who will win based on the skills test, the quality of their application, and the passion that they have shown for the industry. This will be one chef, either male or female, and this will be announced at the end of the Grand Final day, at The Gleneagles Hotel.
How to apply
This is open to any chef over the age of 21, working in Scotland, at any level, although a competent level of chef skills, knowledge and understanding will be expected for the Final skills test, so experience in a professional kitchen is required. To enter you must complete the application form and return it by the closing date of midnight on Sunday 25th September 2022.
Please type your answers directly onto the form, save and return.
Please read the scholarship guidance document (click here to view) before you apply.
Download the application form (it’s a Word document) by clicking here.
Email your completed form, plus a copy of your up-to-date CV to andrewfairliescholarship@hitscotland.co.uk
Any questions please also email andrewfairliescholarship@hitscotland.co.uk