Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2026 open
Scotland's aspiring chefs are being given the opportunity to accelerate their careers as applications open for the 2026 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.
Delivered by Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland, the prestigious scholarship honours the legacy of Scotland's late two Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie by providing a programme of learning and mentorship for the country's emerging culinary talent.
Established by Andrew Fairlie in partnership with HIT Scotland and launched in 2019, the scholarship was created to give ambitious chefs access to the kind of world-class experiences that shaped his own career. Today, it continues to celebrate his passion for developing future generations of Scottish chefs through unrivalled educational opportunities.
Now entering its seventh year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is supported by HIT Scotland, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, UHI Perth and The Gleneagles Hotel, and has become one of Scotland's most respected culinary development programmes.
A unique opportunity to learn from the very best, the 2026 scholarship will once again be judged by an outstanding panel of leading chefs.
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, returns as lead judge and will be joined by Sat Bains, Chef Patron of Restaurant Sat Bains, and Gary Maclean, Scotland's National Chef and winner of MasterChef: The Professionals.
The successful applicant will embark on a series of exclusive educational experiences, including a two-day culinary study trip to France with Grande Cuisine, a stage at the three Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth in London, and hands-on experience at the two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham.
The winner will also receive a bespoke chef's jacket from Goodfellows to commemorate their achievement.
Delivered over a two-year period, the scholarship is designed to broaden technical knowledge, inspire creativity and provide invaluable insight into some of the world's finest kitchens. Through mentorship, practical experience and professional development, it equips Scotland's next generation of chefs with the skills and confidence to progress their careers.
2025 Winner Michael Sutherland
Michael Sutherland, the winner of the 2025 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, commented: “Winning the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is an incredible honour and a truly unique opportunity. The chance to learn from some of the industry's most respected chefs, build lasting connections and gain experience in world-class kitchens is something very few people get to experience. Every element of the scholarship is exceptional, and being able to benefit from so many opportunities through one programme makes it one of the most valuable experiences available to chefs in Scotland.”
Stephen McLaughlin, Head Judge and Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie explained what he’s looking for: “For this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship we are looking for a couple of full flavoured winter warmers. Cabbages and lentils with super seasonal Scottish game, and a desert of buttery brioche and apples. The flavours must be strong and clear and the skill, craft and passion must be equally visible too. Applicants must be concise and smart in their recipes, and as always, focus on delivering delicious food. Food that Chefs would love to eat themselves.”
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, added: "We are at an exciting time of year when we launch the search for the next Andrew Fairlie Scholar. Chef Andrew displayed all the best positive attributes in his eponymous kitchen and his innovation and passion for quality was a cornerstone of everything he did. This scholarship in his name will give a Chef a chance to experience multiple learning opportunities that will inspire and motivate for the rest of their career.”
Applications Open for 2026
Candidates must complete an application form, which can be found on the HIT Scotland website here.
The judging process is comprised of two stages, starting with a paper judgement, and culminating in the Grand Final, where the selected finalists take part in a skills test.
During the first round, applicants will need to showcase their creativity, expertise and attention to detail by designing a seasonal two-course meal for four people in November.
The course will be a classic Chou Farci with Scottish game as its main ingredient. The dish should be created with a braised lentil garnish that is flavoured with smoked bacon and vinegar along with a sauce or jus to accompany and complement the cabbage and lentils.
For the second course, candidates should create a dessert that mainly features homemade brioche and apples with vanilla pods and a choice of one alcohol to flavour the desert.
Both dishes should be delicious in flavour and the menu should have great balance. Both dishes should demonstrate skill and craft as a chef as well as injecting personality and passion.
Up to six chefs will be chosen to take part in the Finals Day, where they will be tasked with a selection of culinary challenges. The Grand Final will take place on Wednesday, 25th November 2026 at UHI Perth, followed by a presentation to the winner at The Gleneagles Hotel.
The test will focus on the candidates’ technical skills, knowledge, and craftsmanship, with the winner carefully striking a balance between flavour, passion and professionalism throughout.
Applications open 3 August 2026 and close 13 September 2026. Find out more information and apply here.