Calling Young Northern Chefs

7th September 2005

Scotland's first Scottish Food Scholarship embarks on search for new culinary talent.

Young chefs across Scotland will be encouraged to develop their culinary skills and talents next year at the launch of Scotland's first Scottish Food Scholarship 2006. The scholarship will be judged by Scotland's Michelin starred chefs, and will give the winner the opportunity to work with some of the best in the food and catering industry. The Scholarship is being organised by Crimson Edge PR and is supported by Braehead Foods Ltd, VisitScotland, Seafish, Seafood Scotland, Catering in Scotland Magazine, The Scottish Field, the G1 Group, Highland Spring, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and RH Morton to name just a few.

In its first year, the Scottish Food Scholarship will be open to chefs under the age of 25, either at college or already in employment in Scotland. Eligible chefs will be invited to submit an entry using seasonal Scottish ingredients and will be tested on preparation, timing and presentation as well as the final result. The judges, who include Martin Wishart, Tony Borthwick, Keith Braidwood, Allan Donald, Jeff Bland and Matthew Gray will be looking for competence, an ability towork with the ingredients and individual flair.

The Semi-Finals will be held at colleges in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Ayr in February 2006. The (Scottish Food Scholarship) Final will be held in March 2006 at one of Scotland's leading cookery schools/colleges followed by an Award Ceremony and Dinner on the same evening at the Corinthian in Glasgow.

The Scottish Food Scholarship not only aims to nurture talent but will open doors and opportunities for the winning chef. The Winner will carry out a series of internships, working with some of the best in the food and catering world, both at home and abroad.

"It's an important time to encourage young chefs to develop and build their skills with the current shortage of professionally-trained staff in the industry. The Scottish Food Scholarship has been established to reward the effort and dedication of those at the beginning of their careers," says Michelin Star chef Martin Wishart.

For further information on how to enter or how to support the Scottish Food Scholarship 2006 and the packages available, please contact Crimson Edge PR Tel: 0131 311 7050.