Who is chef Orry Shand on Great British Menu 2026?
With Great British Menu 2026 now on our screens on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, we find out more about chef Orry Shand, who is competing in the Scotland heat.
Orry Shand is one of Scotland’s most decorated competition chefs. Crowned National Chef of the Year 2024/2025 by the Craft Guild of Chefs and previously named Scottish Chef of the Year in 2019, he has built a reputation for classical technique, produce-led cooking and competitive focus.
Early career and Michelin training
A native of Aberdeenshire, Orry first entered a professional kitchen at 14 in a local hotel, drawn to the rhythm and camaraderie of service.
He later moved to Edinburgh to work at Number One at The Balmoral Hotel, which held a Michelin star at the time. He then continued his development at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at The Gleneagles Hotel, gaining experience in a two-Michelin-starred environment.
Those formative years in Michelin kitchens shaped his disciplined, technically grounded style, rooted in Scottish produce and seasonal sourcing.
Entier Ltd and competition success
In 2017, Orry joined Entier Ltd, one of Scotland’s largest independent catering firms. Over nine years, he progressed to executive chef, overseeing production and retail kitchens, catering private dining and events, and mentoring apprentice chefs.
Competition cooking remained central to his career during this period. He represented Scotland internationally and consistently tested himself through industry contests.
Winning National Chef of the Year marked a defining milestone. Speaking to The Staff Canteen, Orry said the title significantly raised his profile within the industry and opened new opportunities.
Orry recently left his role as executive chef at Entier Ltd after nine years with the company to focus on opening his first solo restaurant.
Opening Falls by Orry Shand
Falls by Orry Shand is set to launch in summer 2026 in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, on the site of the former Falls of Feugh.
A £500,000 refurbishment is underway to create a destination riverside restaurant offering a seasonal, multi-course menu. Orry has described the concept as experience-led and approachable, with high-quality produce at its core.
The menu will focus on Scottish ingredients, including local lamb, Highland wagyu and seafood, with elements of open-fire cooking.
He has stated that while techniques from Great British Menu may influence the kitchen, the dishes will be adapted to suit a restaurant setting.
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Orry Shand on Great British Menu 2026
In Great British Menu 2026, Orry represents Scotland in this year’s regional heat.
He competes alongside Hannah Rose, Jun Au and Rohan Wadke for the chance to progress to finals week and cook at the banquet.
The veteran judge for the Scotland heat is Adam Handling.
Orry has described Great British Menu as different from National Chef of the Year due to its storytelling brief.
This year’s theme celebrates British film and movie makers, and his menu focuses on Scottish produce and Scottish movie talent, building dishes around the brief.
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