Caol pupils impress top chef with skills

Caol Primary School welcomed one of the world’s top chefs last week when Albert Roux visited as part of the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative.

The UK-wide charity educates and enthuses children about food and hospitality and Mr Roux has supported the scheme for almost three decades.

Caol primary is one of a handful of schools in Scotland that has been adopted by Mr Roux and his team.

The pupils were invited to help prepare and serve a meal to their parents at the school last Wednesday evening and as well as Mr Roux and his team, staff from the nearby Inverlochy Castle Hotel, where Mr Roux heads the restaurant with son Michel, including chef Toby Stuart, were on hand.

Caol Primary School head teacher Steven Hamilton said the event was a fantastic success, with the P7 pupils plating food, serving and clearing away.

‘Toby and the staff from Inverlochy Castle Hotel were absolutely brilliant with the children.

‘We had 46 parents and friends enjoying the meal and Mr Roux congratulated the pupils and was clearly impressed.’

Mr Hamilton said as well as helping the children learn about food and the hospitality industry, it was an excellent experience for the youngsters.

‘You could see their confidence growing with every course. They just got better and better as the evening went on.’

Albert Roux with pupils from Caol Primary School. Photographs: Iain Ferguson. Alba.photos

Plates lined up and ready to be filled and served by an army of willing hands.

Young chefs Carla Donaldson and Lola Anderson prepare the entrés under the guidance of chef Toby Stuart.