Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie passes away following terminal prognosis

Twice Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie has passed away following a fourteen year battle with cancer.

His death, although expected, prompted a flurry of messages from his admirers wishing to pay their respects.

Among them was a tribute from the Gleneagles team - the restaurant founded by Andrew for which he earned two Michelin stars, becoming the first Scottish restaurant to figure in the guide - and another from the Scottish Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

We are deeply saddened to learn our friend and colleague Andrew Fairlie passed away this morning (22/01/2019). Andrew was a treasured part of our Gleneagles family, and he will be missed terribly pic.twitter.com/TrJvpo7wXC
— Gleneagles (@Gleneagleshotel) 22 January 2019

I’m so sorry to hear that Andrew Fairlie has died. My deepest condolences to his family. Andrew is gone far too soon, but his achievements will always be remembered and his legacy will inspire the next generation of world class chefs. It was a privilege to know him. https://t.co/9pslZYukKl
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) 22 January 2019

Many chefs also paid tribute to Andrew on social media today, citing him as an inspiration.

Today the Roux Scholarship family mourns the loss of our first scholar, the fearless and brilliant Andrew Fairlie. Our heart goes out to his family and Gleneagles team. Michel Roux, O.B.E. (1 of 2) pic.twitter.com/HPgAaVx3VH
— Michel Roux (@MichelRouxOBE) January 22, 2019

I’m devastated to hear of the passing of Andrew Fairlie. Andrew was one of the UK’s finest chefs and a fantastic ambassador for Scotland. You’ll be missed my friend ????All our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.
— Kenny Atkinson (@Kennyatkinson1) January 22, 2019

We're incredibly saddened to hear the news about Andrew Fairlie - he was an extremely talented chef with a very kind manner. His legacy will continue in the chefs who came through his ranks. Our heartfelt condolences to his family.
— Number One (@NumberOneEdin) January 22, 2019

Andrew was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but only stepped down from his restaurant at the Gleneagles Hotel in November last year, after his medical team informed him that his condition was terminal in June.

His restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2001, followed by a second in 2006. It was awarded its fourth AA Guide rosette in 2004.

Andrew Fairlie was also the first chef to be filmed for The Staff Canteen Featured Chef series. TSC founder Mark Morris said:

"It's an incredibly sad day and our thoughts are with Andrew's family. Professionally, Andrew will always be held in the highest regard by everyone at The Staff Canteen. He was our first ever featured chef, an inspiration for chefs and a true gent."

By Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

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