Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Application 2023

CLOSED

Positioned as the ultimate educational 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 world renowned establishments.

Supported by HIT Scotland, The Gleneagles Hotel, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie and Perth College UHI, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is now in its 4th 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 2023 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.

Lead Judge and Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin, said

“The search for the 2023 Andrew Fairlie scholar has now started! I am very much looking forward to seeing what Scotland’s aspiring chefs will create and serve up to us this year.

“The judges will be looking to see a clear demonstration of the applicants’ skills and knowledge but also want to see and feel their creativity, flair, and personality.

“At the end of the day, we are not necessarily looking for a Michelin starred chef. What we are searching for is someone with a sharp eye for details and really clean set of skills. Someone who is driven to learn and improve their craft and to elevate themselves and others toward a higher level.”

The prizes

The winning chef will receive a variety of once-in-a-lifetime educational experiences over a couple of years, enabling them to continue to develop their skills and experience, and grow in their career.

a stage at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles (2 Michelin star)
a stage at Core by Clare Smyth in London (3 Michelin star)
a stage at an international restaurant
2 day educational trip to France from Grande Cuisine
a bespoke chef’s jacket from Goodfellows

Opportunities may vary year to year but will always be inspirational in nature.

Some prizes may require to be changed, changes are at the discretion of HIT Scotland

The Judges

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. You will show us your knowledge and creativity by creating a potato dish to be cooked and served on Finals Day. We also want to learn a bit more about you as a chef. 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, plus some other surprise challenges on the day. This will take place at Perth College UHI on Wednesday 22nd November 2023.

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 24th September 2023.

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