Paul Kitching named best chef in Scotland

Paul Kitching, chef proprietor of the Michelin-starred 21212 in Edinburgh has been named the best chef in Scotland in the Catering in Scotland (CIS) Excellence Awards.

Kitching, who operates 21212 with business partner Katie O’Brien, was named Scotland’s top chef ahead of runners-up Brian Maule of Chardon d’Or in Glasgow, Kevin MacGillivray of the Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel and President of the Federation of Chefs Scotland, and Ian McAndrew of Blackaddie House Hotel at Sanquhar.

However the Restaurant of the Year award went to Glenapp Castle at Ballantrae in south Ayshire, described by judges as “one of the most sought after and prestigious of the categories”.

“There are many different disciplines in making a great restaurant: food, service, atmosphere, value for money, consistency and great people - not an easy combination to get right every day,” the judges said. “Glenapp ticks all those boxes. It prides itself on sourcing impeccable produce from local suppliers and showcasing them with intelligent and precise cooking.”

Runners up for the award were 63 Tay Street in Perth, Vallee Blanche in Glasgow and 21212.

The Restaurant Newcomer award went to Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, while The Oak Tree In on Loch Lomond was named Pub Restaurant of the Year.

Ronnie Clydesdale, owner of The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow who died last year aged 74, was granted the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The winners of the 2011 CIS Excellence Awards are:

Chef of the Year

Winner: Paul Kitching, 21212, Edinburgh

Finalists: Brian Maule (Chardon d’Or, Glasgow), Kevin MacGillivray (Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel) and Ian McAndrew (Blackaddie House Hotel, Sanquhar)

Restaurant of the Year

Winner: The restaurant at Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae

Finalists: 63 Tay Street, Perth; 21212, Edinburgh; Vallee Blanche, Glasgow

Restaurant Newcomer of the Year

Winner: Castle Terrace Restaurant, Edinburgh

Finalists: Martin Wishart at Cameron House on Loch Lomond; Ondine, Edinburgh

Group Hotel

Winner: The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, St Andrews

Finalists: Abode, Glasgow and The Balmoral, Edinburgh

Pub-Restaurant of the Year

Winner: Oak Tree, Loch Lomond

Finalists: Joseph Pearce, Edinburgh and Waterside Bistro, Haddington

Innovation in Training

Winner: Flow Hospitality Training, Edinburgh

Finalists: Fairmont Hotel, St Andrews, Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh

Contract Catering Chef

Winner: Neil Ross, ARAMARK Ltd

Finalists: David Ward, Sodexo and Billy Simpson, Inspire Catering

Independent Event-Caterer

Winner: Wilde Thyme, Comrie

Finalists: Appetite Direct, Edinburgh and Ginger Snap, Edinburgh

Excellence in Hospitality Education

Winner: David Auchie, South Lanarkshire College

Finalists: City of Glasgow College and Edinburgh's Telford College

The Healthier Scotland Award

Winner: Flourish House, Glasgow

Finalists: Compass for work at Eurest Services, Scottish Power; and ARAMARK for services at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.

Sustainable Business Award

Winner: Ethical Shellfish Company, Mull

Finalists: the New Lanark Mill Hotel and Edinburgh International Conference Centre

Lifetime Achievement Award

Ronnie Clydesdale (Posthumously)