Chef to advocate independence in debate

GLENEAGLES’ double Michelin star chef is set to argue that Scotland should go it alone at a special independence debate.

The Institute of Hospitality (IOH) Scotland has organised the event, which will take place exactly a year before the referendum, and is urging professionals from across the food, drink and tourism industries to take part.

Gleneagles’ Andrew Fairlie — who is on Yes Scotland’s advisory board and whose father Jim was deputy leader of the SNP — will lead the Yes team alongside retired MSP Jim Mather and former nationalist member Jean Urquhart, who now sits at Holyrood as an independent MSP.

The Better Together side will be headed by Beppo Buchanan-Smith, proprietor of Isle of Eriska Hotel in Oban, with Tony Dumbreck, owner of bespoke food manufacturing company Innovate Foods, and Scottish Conservative Deputy Leader Jackson Carlaw.

Ray Lorimer, chairman of IOH Scotland, said: “The debate provides a much-needed platform to objectively address the key implications both for and against independence from a Scottish food, drink and tourism perspective.

“Members of the audience will have the opportunity to put their questions to the panellists, who aim to tackle a range of issues, from Scotland potentially joining the euro to queries about having our own currency, as well as green energy and renewable targets for Scottish businesses.

“It promises to be a stirring discussion. I’m confident both sides will justly execute their viewpoint with the energy and enthusiasm you’d expect from those passionate about an industry that makes a substantial contribution to Scotland.”

Double Michelin star chef Andrew Fairlie.