Taking place on the 27th November 2024, the final will see the five shortlisted applicants compete for the chance to become the recipient of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship – ‘a once-in-a-lifetime’ culinary experience.  

The Andrew Fairlie Scholarship is a educational opportunity for chefs seeking first-hand experience within some of the world's most acclaimed culinary establishments. It offers the ultimate education for up-and-coming chefs to harness their skills and refine their technique.  

The five chefs vying for this unparalleled culinary experience are: 

• Allan MacDonald, 24, breakfast chef de partie at The Balmoral  

• Andrew Clark, 32, head chef at Entier  

• Marcin Borek, 31, chef de partie at Fingal 

• Michael Sutherland, 30, senior chef de partie at Gleneagles  

• Patryk Kasperek, 30, chef de partie at Fingal  

Those shortlisted have been 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. The judges include Stephen McLaughlin, 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 undertake a stage at the three Michelin star Core by Clare Smyth in London and receive a bespoke chef’s jacket. These highly informative experiences will be taken over two years, allowing the winner to develop their learnings over time. 

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

“We were delighted by the quantity of applications this year from all around Scotland, which made it very difficult to choose the final five. 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. Wishing them all the best of luck for the 27th of November.”