2021 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Winners Announced

The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is the ultimate scholarship any aspiring chef could receive. It’s awarded each year, since its launch in February 2019, to recognise Andrew Fairlie’s significant contribution to the hospitality industry. The Scholarship is led by HIT Scotland and supported by the First Minister as well as the Scottish Government and Gleneagles. Moreover, it’s awarded to one male and one female every year as Andrew himself was committed to the diversity in the kitchen.

Due to the pandemic, last year’s competition was postponed, meaning this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Awards were extra special. The finale took place on November 16th at Perth College UHI and the winners were announced at Gleneagles.

This year’s judges were Michelin star chefs Stephen McLaughlin, Tom Kerridge, Sat Bains and Lorna McNee, and Scotland’s National Chef Gary Maclean.  Not knowing what they were cooking on that day, the 5 finalists had to showcase their skills by recreating Andrew Fairlie’s iconic dish. Moreover, the chefs had to prove their knowledge and creativity by coming up with 2 additional elements.

The dish in question was a recipe chef Andrew Fairlie shared with Caterer in 2013 - an aromatic Duck, poached and roasted duck with honey and spices. Chef Russel had explained the process of creating the dish to the finalists and received all ingredients, however, they had to figure out the quantities themselves.

Out of the 5 finalists, the talented Amy Stephenson, 22 (Junior Sous Chef at The Torridon) and Josh Wilkinson, 25 (Senior Chef de Partie, Isle of Eriska Hotel) impressed the judges the most and received the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship.

Winning the scholarship means industry-wide recognition as well as experiencing educational and inspiring opportunities in various Michelin star restaurants.

Congratulations to all finalists and to the proud winners of the 2021 Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, Amy Stephenson and Josh Wilkinson!