Applications open for chef scholarship
- By editor
- Apr 21
- 2 min read
Applications for the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship have opened for another year, offering talented chefs a rare opportunity to hone their skills in one of the UK’s most prestigious kitchens.
A partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland, the scholarship was launched in 2025 to celebrate the Michelin Guide ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland taking place in Scotland for the first time. Inaugural winner Fraser Cameron, head chef at The Globe Inn in Dumfries, undertook a five-day stage at The Ritz in London, led by executive chef, John Williams MBE.
This year, the scholarship is offering ambitious and enthusiastic chefs the chance to learn in another of the world’s leading hospitality settings – The Dorchester in London, under culinary director, Martyn Nail.
Applications are open to chefs in Scotland with at least five years’ full-time experience in a professional kitchen, with entries closing at midnight on Sunday 17 May.
The panel of expert judges are looking for a chef with the desire to progress within the industry, who can provide clear examples of how they have shown commitment to sourcing and promoting quality Scottish food and drink, as well as how they would become an ambassador for Scotland’s exceptional ingredients.
After a rigorous judging process, which will see the top three candidates invited for interview, the award winner will be announced in the summer.
Fiona Richmond, head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Scotland’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world, and our food and drink sector is now valued at an incredible £19bn.
“The Legacy Scholarship is an important part of helping the next generation of up-and-coming chefs develop skills and progress their career, and we are excited to hear from applicants who have an enthusiasm for working with Scotland’s finest ingredients, from seafood and dairy to whisky and beef. I would encourage anyone looking to take the next step in their career journey to apply.”
Fraser added: “My time at The Ritz was incredible. The passion and hunger within the team is second to none – it was such a privilege and an honour to learn in an environment where nothing less than the best is accepted. Working across every section of the kitchen gave me an invaluable insight into the precision, skill and teamwork behind such an exceptional operation.
“I see winning the first Legacy Scholarship as a long-term project, as, following my five days at The Ritz, I have already implemented so many methods, processes and techniques in my kitchen, and there’s lots more I still want to apply and work towards. It’s the gift that keeps on giving because I now have new targets and goals that I have set myself, and the business, to achieve.
“The Legacy Scholarship truly is a ‘money-can't-buy’ experience to learn in one of the best kitchens in the world. If you are serious about learning and growing, and you are prepared to work hard and earn it, grab this opportunity with both hands.”
Photography: Studio Hart, of Fiona Richmond
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