UHI Perth Hosts Prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Final

A day of intense competition

The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland once again hosted the prestigious Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Final on Tuesday 25th November at UHI Perth, bringing together Scotland’s most talented aspiring chefs.

The event took place in the college’s main training kitchens, where five finalists showcased their culinary skills in a challenging cook-off. Each finalist recreated the recipes from their application, plus a surprise pheasant dish, while demonstrating creativity, technical ability, and personality. 

Students played a key role in supporting the event - working alongside finalists in the kitchen and assisting HIT Scotland and the judging panel with front-of-house service and refreshments. After the competition, students and staff joined the finalists and judges at Gleneagles for drinks and canapés, where the winner of the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship 2025 was announced. 
 
Ype van der Schaaf, Sector Manager of Hospitality and Food Studies said: “Hosting the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship Final at UHI Perth was a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to be part of such a prestigious event. Supporting the finalists in the kitchen and assisting with front-of-house service gave our students invaluable experience and a real insight into the standards expected at the highest level of the industry. We are proud to have played a role in showcasing Scotland’s culinary talent and look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”  

David Cochrane MBE HIT Scotland Chief Executive, added: “A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Andrew Fairlie Scholarship final such a success. The event showcased incredible talent and highlighted the passion and dedication within Scotland’s hospitality industry, present and future.”