Getting to know you

Former MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary Maclean talks positivity, embarrasing moments and good advice

Meet Scotland’s star chef, Gary Maclean, who will host this year’s Menu Food and Drink Awards.

Q Your house is on fire, what do you save?

A To be totally honest I don’t think material things would come into my head in that situation, as long as I managed to get all my kids out! The only thing I own that I might grab would be an irreplacable 300-year-old silver Spanish jug that has been turned into a little work of modern art given to me by the first lady of Cuba. Oh – I almost forgot – if I had time I might grab my MasterChef trophy!

Q Theme song for your life?

A I think it would have to be Mr Blue Sky. My total outlook in life is positive, I am a glass half full type of person. Also I work for a company and we regularly film all over Scotland and we have always had the most beautiful weather on the shoots. The boss of the company now only refers to me as Mr Blue Sky.

Q What was the last book you read?

A One I have read a few times but it was the first time since the passing of the author. It was bittersweet reading it again.

The book was Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.

Q Describe yourself as if you were a fine wine?

A I would love to but, hands up, I know very little about wine, I am probably closer to being Tennent’s Lager.

Q What makes you happy?

A That’s easy, spending time with my kids. Professionally: having a full restaurant on a Monday was always special.

Q What makes you sad?

A I travel a lot and seeing kids in desperate conditions without shelter and food is horrific. No child on earth should be without the fundamental basics.

Q What was the first album you ever bought?

A I have a very vivid memory of this, it was 1984 and I had some birthday cash and my sister took me into town. I wanted to buy the John Williams album Star Wars, I have always been a fan of film scores and still am. She thought that was a crazy for a 13-year-old boy to be listing to that. I ended up going home with Now That’s What I Call Music 3!

Q If you could go back to any point in history, what would it be?

A Being a bit of a history buff I think one of the biggest moments in Scottish / British history was when King James VI of Scotland became King James I and took the English crown. I would have loved to be part of the court that made the trip down.

Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change?

A I don’t think I would change a thing – I am very lucky to have what I have and the choices you make in life you need to accept.

Q What do you do to unwind?

A Believe it or not I cook. I think there is nothing better than having a night at home in the kitchen I get the music on (John Williams, Hans Zimmer or something like that) and batch cook the family food for a week.

Q Most embarrassing moment?

A It was when I was 17 and I was working in a big hotel. I was the only chef working on a small grill and sandwich restaurant called the Patio. It started getting really busy, my sous chef came in several times to see if I was OK. Wanting to be the hero, I assured him I was on top of it.

Twenty minutes later he came back and I was in it so deep I didn’t have a clue what was going on. He kicked me out of the kitchen and I was sent to the staff room until he could sort my mess. I learned a very important lesson that day – don’t be a hero!

Q Biggest regret?

A Messing up my final interview for a head chef job at Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Q What are most proud of?

A I think my proudest achievement has being able to use the platform of winning MasterChef to help so many charities raise a lot of money for needy children all over the world. I am also extremely proud of being Scotland’s very first National Chef.

Q Last meal on earth?

A For me I think that would have to be lobster, indulgent almost addictive food.