Applications open for 2025 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship

Applications have opened for the prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, presented by industry charity, Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland.

Now in its sixth year, the competition gives chefs from across Scotland the opportunity to learn from leading industry talent in the form of educational trips to France, a stage at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and a “hands-on experience” at the three-Michelin-starred Core by Clare Smyth.

This year’s edition will be judged by lead judge Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie; Sat Bains, chef patron at the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Sat Bains; and Gary Maclean, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2016.

Up to six finalists will be chosen to take part in a skills test consisting of a two-course meal for four, the first of which should include homemade pasta containing Shetland mussels and another Scottish bivalve of their choice, while the dessert must be gluten-free with a focus on dark chocolate and poached pear.

The grand final will take place on Tuesday 25 November at Perth College UHI, followed by a winner’s presentation at Gleneagles.

Darren Seggie, winner of the 2023 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, said: “Taking part in and winning the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship has been transformative to my career. The chance to create connections with and learn from some of the industry’s best is truly unique and rare. Any one of the prizes offered would be special, but to have multiple experiences of such a high calibre makes it the best opportunity out there for chefs in Scotland.”

McLaughlin added: “With the applications for 2025 now open, this is the chance to showcase talent and passion. Only the best applicants will be selected for the Grand Final, so pull from all your resources to make sure that your application is as strong as it can be. Good luck chefs!”

The competition was created by the late Andrew Fairlie in partnership with HIT Scotland in 2019 and is supported by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Perth College UHI and the Gleneagles hotel in Auchterarder.

Those looking to enter the 2025 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship must complete this application form by 21 September.