Chefs taste success with awards

An Aberdeenshire junior sous chef has won a hospitality award created in memory of one of Scotland’s most celebrated chefs.

Joseph Harte, 23, is one of two recipients of the inaugural Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, a project spearheaded by the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland.

Mr Harte, who works at Douneside House in Aboyne, has been granted the scholarship alongside 23-year-old Emma-Rose Milligan, a demi chef de partie at Chez Roux in Fort William.

The pair had to prove their skills in a twopart test, where they had to recreate a classic Andrew Fairlie dish before preparing their own offering.

Organised by

“A manner that truly represents the man himself”

Hit Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government, the scholarship was launched in recognition and memory of Mr Fairlie’s contribution to Scotland’s hospitality industry.

As head chef of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in the Gleneagles Hotel and Resort, he ran the only restaurant in Scotland with two Michelin stars. Mr Fairlie died in January.

Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, was lead judge.

He said: “Emma-Rose and Joseph excelled in the skills tests, and they have conducted themselves in a manner that truly represents the man himself.”

As part of the scholarship, Mr Harte and Ms Milligan will get placements at the Culinary Institute of America, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, the chance to cook at Bute House and other opportunities.