Applications open for prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship

We are inviting aspiring chefs working in Scotland to apply for this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship as applications open!

Interested candidates can find more information about the application process on the HIT Scotland website here.

An invaluable opportunity for chefs looking to gain first-hand experience within some of the world's most renowned establishments, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship offers an exceptional culinary education for the next generation of cheffing talent.

Launched in 2019 by the late Andrew Fairlie, the scholarship is provided in partnership with HIT Scotland, an industry charity Andrew was closely associated with. Now in its fifth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and The Gleneagles Hotel.

Last year, two winners were awarded the prestigious scholarship. Lecturer of Culinary Arts at City of Glasgow College, Darren Seggie, and Rachel Bremner, Commis Pastry Chef at The Balmoral, were selected for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance their culinary horizons.

An all-star panel of the country’s finest chefs will judge the 2024 competition. Lead judge, Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, will be joined by fellow 2 Michelin starred Chef Patrons, Tom Kerridge of the Hand and Flowers and Sat Bains at Restaurant Sat Bains. Gary Maclean, the Winner of MasterChef The Professionals and National Chef of Scotland, will also be judging the candidates on their performance.

The winner of this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship will be taken on a 2-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine, gain hands-on experience at the 2-star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, and undertake a stage at the 3-star Core by Clare Smyth in London. Held over two years, these educational experiences will inform and inspire the scholar’s professional development and knowledge over a period of time.

Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, commented:

“The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is Scotland’s finest Chef Scholarship.  It is a true chance to showcase your talent and passion, along with the opportunity to help yourself be guided and nurtured into being as good a chef as you want to be. The prizes for this year’s scholarship recipient are some of the best educational and development driven learning experiences in the world!

"Be mindful in your application to stay true to yourself and to pull from all your resources to make sure that your application is as polished as it can be. Only the very best applicants will make it to finals day.  Good luck Chefs and happy cooking!”

David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added:

“Applications for the 2024 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship are officially open, and with it, the chance for aspiring chefs in Scotland to advance their career and broaden their professional horizons.

“The scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for upcoming culinary talent to gain practical experience in the finest establishments and learn from the very best chefs the world has to offer. With so much at stake, applicants must give it their all to impress the judges!”

Candidates must complete an application form which can be found on the HIT Scotland website. They will be asked what inspires them to be the best chef they can be, and about their proudest career moment to date.

The applicants will also need to showcase their creativity and expertise by designing an autumnal sharing dish for four people, made from a short saddle of Scotch lamb. Those awarded a Finals Day place will be asked to recreate the recipe in real-time for the judges, along with some other culinary challenges which will be revealed on the day!

Up to 6 chefs will be chosen to take part in the Grand Final, a skills test on Wednesday 27th November at Perth College UHI, followed by a presentation to the winner at The Gleneagles Hotel.

The test will focus on the candidates’ technical skills, knowledge, and creativity, with the winner carefully striking a balance between passion and professionalism throughout.

Applications open 12 August 2024 and close 22 September 2024. Find out more information and apply here.