Finalists announced for 2024 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship

Entier head chef Andrew Clark, The Balmoral breakfast chef de partie Allan MacDonald, Fingal chef de parties Marcin Borek and Patryk Kasperek, and Gleneagles senior chef de partie Michael Sutherland will all be vying to win the 2024 scholarship.

Taking place on the 27 November 2024 at Perth College UHI, the final skills test will see the five shortlisted applicants challenged to create an autumnal sharing dish for four made from a short saddle of Scotch lamb, with a spinach garnish, creamed polenta and a sauce.

Now in its fifth year, the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is positioned as ‘the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef in Scotland could receive’.

It was established by HIT Scotland in the wake of Fairlie’s death​​ back in 2019.

“The remarkable legacy of Andrew Fairlie continues with the fifth annual Scholarship,” says David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland.

“This is a truly remarkable opportunity for up-and-coming Scottish culinary talent and a gateway to unrivalled industry opportunities that will strengthen their personal and professional development.”

The judging panel will be headed up by Stephen McLaughlin, head chef at two Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie. He will be joined by chefs Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains and Gary Maclean.

The winner of this year’s scholarship will be taken on a two-day educational trip to France with Grande Cuisine and gain hands-on experience at the two Michelin star Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles.

The scholar will also undertake a stage at the three Michelin star Core by Clare Smyth in London, and receive a bespoke chef’s jacket

“We were delighted by the quantity of applications this year from all around Scotland, which made it very difficult to choose the final five,” Cochrane continues.

“The finalists should be prepared to pull out all the stops to impress our judges and be in for a chance of claiming the prizes.” 

Last year’s scholarship was claimed by joint winners Darren Seggie and Rachel Bremner​​ (pictured with Stephen McLaughlin, Gary Maclean and Sat Bains).