Andrew Fairlie Scholarship winners revealed
Stephenson is junior sous chef at The Torridon in Wester Ross while Wilkinson is currently senior chef de partie at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.
The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is awarded annually to one female and one male chef in light of the chef’s ‘unwavering commitment to diversity in the kitchen’.
The renowned Scottish chef died in 2019 following a long illness.
The finalists were asked 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.
This took place on 16 November at Perth College UHI, with the winners announcement taking place at Gleneagles early this week.
Spearheaded by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister, Scottish Government, and Gleneagles, the scholarship was launched in February 2019 in recognition of the two Michelin-starred chef’s significant and lasting contribution to the hospitality industry.
The judges included Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains and Lorna McNee, Gary Maclean and Stephen McLaughlin.
McLaughlin said: “What a thrill it has been 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 do in it 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 run up 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.”
