HIT Scotland to name scholarship in honour of Andrew Fairlie

Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland is set to name a new scholarship after late Andrew Fairlie.

The initiative was led by the chef in partnership with HIT, Gleneagles Hotel and backed by the Scottish government,

The award will be held annually, and will reward two Scottish chefs - one male, one female.

They will be given the opportunity to work in an international kitchen and to intern at Andrew Fairlie's flagship restaurant - the first Scottish establishment to receive a Michelin star - at The Gleneagles Hotel or at the Culinary Institute of America in New York.

Fairlie was the first and youngest chef to receive the Roux scholarship in 1984. He advocated scholarships as a way of encouraging young talent which could otherwise be scuppered by a lack of opportunity, giving young chefs the chance to hone their skills in the world's best establishments.

In December last year, the chef was quoted saying: “I know from first-hand experience how valuable this type of development can be for all aspiring chefs. I am particularly excited by the fact that this opportunity will allow a male and female chef to experience a world class scholarship which will enhance their all-round culinary knowledge. I hope that this will inspire the next generation of Scottish talent with the ongoing support of Gleneagles and HIT Scotland.”

Andrew was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but only stepped down from his restaurant 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.

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