The competition has been launched with the goal of unearthing and recognising the next generation of young Scottish chef talent from the best catering colleges around the country.

Maclean said: “This competition is not just about finding the best young chef; it’s about nurturing creativity, passion and the future of Scottish culinary excellence through Scotland’s next generation.”

The judging panel, which is led by 2016 Masterchef the Professionals winner Maclean, also features Handling and executive chef of Unilever Ireland Audrey Crone. The Scottish Student Chef of the Year Competition has been backed by A Passion to Inspire. 

With a wealth of accolades and experience between them, the panel will help guide and evaluate shortlisted students in teams, comprising a head chef and assistant, as they showcase their talents in a live final on the 21st of March at the City of Glasgow College.

Handling added: “It's great to be involved in this competition during its first year. As a very proud Scotsman, a competition that recognises Scottish students is close to my heart and I can’t wait to see what these young chefs can produce. I'm sure they'll make Scotland proud.”

Students will have the opportunity to impress the judging panel through their delivery of a two-course meal and the completion of a skills test. Students will be asked to submit their menu idea digitally, before a round of shortlisting that will determine eight finalists who will compete in the live cook off.

To help support and inspire chefs, Unilever created the Future Menus Report, which identified eight major food trends from rigorous global research. This year’s competition brief asks students to put their own twist on two of those trends: Modernised Comfort Food and Irresistible Vegetables.

Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place students. The overall winner, their lecturer and assistant will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Italy that will both ‘educate and inspire’. Knorr Professional invites students 18 years and over from catering colleges across Scotland to participate in this ‘exciting culinary journey’.

For more information about the Scottish Student Chef of the Year Competition and to request a copy of the 2024 Competition Briefing pack and full Terms & Conditions, contact Nicola from the competition organising team at [email protected].