The event promises to deliver an ‘exhilarating showcase’ of culinary talent, giving chefs across all levels of experience and industry sectors a chance to put their skills to the test on a live stage.

Scottish Culinary Championships director Neil Thomson said: “This year marks the 50th year I have been involved in the Scottish Culinary Championships, and I still look forward to this week with the same excitement as I did in 1975.

“The 2023 competitions were the most successful in recent years, and we’re confident that 2025 will build on that success with the introduction of some new innovative competitions to attract some of Scotland’s finest culinary talent.”

Highlights of the Championships include:

Live Theatre Competitions

Featuring eight workstations, the Live Theatre stage will be a continuous hub of culinary action as chefs compete in fast-paced, back-to-back cooking challenges suited to all skill levels, with participants encouraged to showcase their interpretation of classic dishes and explore new culinary trends.

Competitions include a Food for Life challenge open to public sector caterers to create a healthy main course, a risotto challenge sponsored by Riso Gallo UK, and a street food challenge sponsored by Braehead Foods among others.

The main event will be the final of the Scottish Chef of the Year 2025 Competition, sponsored by Lomond Foods, with finalists asked to create a four-course meal within a two hour window.

The Skills Arena

Supporting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship and HIT Scotland, the Skills Arena is tailored for newcomers to the industry, including cold live classes and front-of-house skills tests aimed at helping students, apprentices, and other trainees hone essential skills.

These competitions are an ideal stepping stone for chefs and service staff at the start of their careers, with no age restrictions on entry. This year’s schedule includes a cocktail mixology competition, a Scotch lamb challenge and a fruit & veg preparation competition.

Culinary Art Competitions

This category will bring artistry to the forefront, allowing chefs to demonstrate their creativity across edible mediums.

Classes in sugar craft, pastry, kitchen larder, restaurant plates, and even food photography will draw attendees eager to witness a stunning array of culinary exhibits from floral sugar craft to a chocolate showpiece and afternoon tea selection.

Entries for the Scottish Culinary Championships are now open, with a deadline of January 31st 2025, while Scottish Chef of the Year entries close on January 13th 2025. For more information and to enter, please visit: https://www.scothot.co.uk/scottish-culinary-championships.