Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Launch New Legacy Scholarship Award

Applications now open for aspiring chefs! Scotland is offering a remarkable opportunity for talented chefs to elevate their skills in one of the nation’s renowned kitchens. The Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award will welcome applications starting from Thursday, 1st May 2025.

The Purpose Behind the Scholarship

This forward-thinking scholarship, established in collaboration with Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland, celebrates the historic MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland making its debut in Scotland. As a legacy initiative from this prestigious event, it will provide one ambitious chef with a unique five-day stage at The Ritz London, which will be led by Executive Chef John Williams MBE.

Scotland’s Culinary Scene

With notable establishments like Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and The Glenturret Lalique, both boasting two MICHELIN Stars, Scotland stands out as a significant player in the global culinary landscape. This scholarship aims not only to highlight the exceptional opportunities available to chefs in Scotland but also to serve as a vital stepping stone for those eager to advance their culinary careers.

Application Details

Chefs in Scotland with a minimum of five years of full-time professional kitchen experience are encouraged to apply, with the application window closing on Friday, 13th June 2025. Candidates will be evaluated based on their ambition, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to sourcing and promoting high-quality Scottish food and drink.

Judging Criteria and Announcement

A panel of industry experts will rigorously assess applications, ultimately inviting the top three candidates for interviews. The scholarship winner will be announced during the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards on Thursday, 4th September, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.

Industry Insights

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, expressed excitement about the opportunities this scholarship brings:

“The MICHELIN Award Ceremony showcased the wealth of talent in our kitchens. The Legacy Scholarship is vital for nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals who are passionate about utilizing Scotland’s unparalleled larder.”

David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland, emphasized the valuable learning experience this scholarship offers:

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from industry leaders and enhance your skills with top practitioners. We are proud to support this legacy project.”

John Williams MBE, Executive Chef at The Ritz, reflected on the importance of mentorship:

“Strong mentorship and training are essential for shaping future industry leaders. We would be honored to host the winner at The Ritz London.”

Learn More and Apply

For more information on the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award and the application process, visit: https://hitscotland.co.uk/legacy-scholarship.