Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2020 open
Andrew Fairlie Scholarship seeks aspiring chefs in Scotland
1 September 2020 – Following a successful first year, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland have announced that the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is again seeking applications from aspiring chefs working in Scotland.
Sponsored jointly by HIT Scotland, the Scottish Government and Gleneagles, and positioned as the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually to a male and female chef to reflect Andrew Fairlie’s unwavering commitment to diversity in the kitchen.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will recognise two outstanding individuals who are looking to progress in their careers and are working as chefs in Scotland. If you are currently on furlough, or have been made redundant due to Covid-19, you can still apply. The recipients will gain industry-wide recognition as Andrew Fairlie Scholars and experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to continue their culinary education, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and at 2 Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.
Last year, the scholarships were awarded to Emma-Rose Milligan, 24, from Kilmarnock, Demi Chef de Partie at Chez Roux at Inverlochy Castle in Fort William, and Joseph Harte, 24, a Junior Sous Chef at Douneside House in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire.
The judges remain the same as last year, with 2 Michelin starred chefs Tom Kerridge and Sat Bains, Masterchef winner and National Chef of Scotland, Gary McLean, Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Lorna McNee, Head Chef at Cail Bruich, and Andrew’s former mentor Keith Podmore all lending their expertise.
In support of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is a fantastic opportunity in memory of one of Scotland’s most inspirational chefs and I would encourage any aspiring chefs to consider applying.
“The hospitality industry has been severely impacted by the current pandemic and it will be vital as we move towards the safe and sustained recovery of the sector that we make the most of Scotland’s wealth of talent, skills and creativity.
“This scholarship will once again provide a fantastic opportunity for two chefs to enhance not only Scotland’s reputation but their own, as they forge what will undoubtedly be successful careers.”
David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added: “We were extremely impressed with the quality of last year’s entrants, who truly showed the high calibre of chefs who are working and learning in restaurants across Scotland.
“It is very exciting to again be launching the search for those chefs who represent the values of Andrew Fairlie. We’re looking for people who demonstrate his work ethic, integrity and passion for excellence and who will continue to represent these qualities in Andrew’s name as they forge their careers.”
Conor O’Leary, Managing Director at Gleneagles, said: “Gleneagles is delighted to continue in its support of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, and carry on the work that Andrew so passionately started. Now, more than ever, it will be crucial to do all we can to provide a platform to the emerging talent within the Scottish hospitality industry, and we are excited to see what the future holds for the recipients and to be playing just a small role in what we are confident will be very promising careers.”
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, said: “I was delighted with year one of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship and I am so excited to have the ball rolling again on year two! All our finalists displayed fabulous skills and each one of them showed a true passion for learning. They also had a wonderful attitude towards each other. Chef Andrew would have been over the moon with our two winners. Joe and Emma-Rose both displayed everything required that comes with the responsibility of being an Andrew Fairlie Scholar.
“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a must enter experience for chefs that truly want to learn, develop and flourish in an industry that genuinely allows passionate, committed people to be as good as they want to be.”
To apply, potential candidates will complete an online application stating why they feel that they should win the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, and what they think it takes to run a successful kitchen. The finalists will take part in a skills test which will focus on their knowledge and creativity, with the winners showing the right mix of personality and professionalism to be named an Andrew Fairlie Scholar. Eligible applicants can find out more information by visiting the HIT Scotland website here.