Young chefs scoop Fairlie scholarship
Amy and Josh named as winners of culinary contest
Two outstanding young chefs have been named as recipients of this year’s prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.
Run by the Hospitality Industry Trust ( HIT) Scotland, Amy Stephenson and Josh Wilkinson were presented with their honours at Gleneagles on Tuesday after being announced as the successful recipients following a test of their skills at Perth College UHI.
Amy (22) is a junior sous chef at The Torridon in Wester Ross, while Josh (25) works as senior chef de partie at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.
Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government and Gleneagles, the scholarship was launched in February 2019 in recognition of late Perthshire chef Andrew Fairlie’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.
It is awarded annually to one female and one male chef in light of Andrew’s unwavering commitment to diversity in the kitchen.
Finalists had to prove their worth in a skills test, where they had to recreate a classic Andrew Fairlie dish, and showcase their knowledge, individuality and creativity as a chef by choosing and producing two additional elements to complement this.
Judges included Michelin star chefs Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at Gleneagles’ Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains, Lorna McNee and Gary Maclean.
Amy and Josh will now gain industry- wide recognition and experience educational
opportunities, such as a practical stage in an international kitchen and other top restaurants.
Lead judge Stephen said: “What a thrill it was for us all to get back together for finals day of our second Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.
“It has been especially exciting this year to have been able to be in our brand-new host venue, Perth College UHI, for the cook-off.
“Full credit goes to all our finalists, who have maintained their ‘match fitness’ in the runup to the final.
“We asked the finalists to cook a classic dish from chef Andrew’s
repertoire, while showcasing their own technical abilities in creating inspiring garnishes along with an intelligent, well thought-out sauce.
“Every one of the finalists showed great desire and passion to become one of the next Andrew Fairlie Scholars, and many congratulations to Amy and Josh who came out on top and will now receive some inspirational and educational experiences to help build their careers.”
HIT Scotland chief executive David Cochrane added: “After the challenges of the last couple of years, it was truly inspiring to see this group of talented chefs in
action, showing off their creativity, hard work and dedication to their craft.
“Huge congratulations to Amy and Josh, who will now get to experience some fantastic opportunities as Andrew Fairlie Scholars.”
Conor O’Leary, managing director at Gleneagles, said: “The flair, creativity and passion displayed by all the finalists echoes the culture of excellence that Andrew established and is testament to the extraordinary pool of culinary talent we have here in Scotland.
“We’re thrilled for the winning recipients and look forward to following their careers and supporting them as they develop as chefs.”
Ype van der Schaaf is sector manager of hospitality and food studies at Perth College UHI.
He said: “Hosting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final within our kitchens and facilities was a great opportunity to support HIT Scotland, and our students welcomed the chance to be involved.
“Many congratulations to the well- deserved winners, we enjoyed watching all of them work and create their fantastic dishes.”