Finalists Announced for the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award

Three talented chefs are celebrating national recognition after being named as finalists for the Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award. 

Launched to cement the legacy of Scotland’s first-ever hosting of the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland, the scholarship aims to help a rising Scottish chef elevate their career, with one talented winner able to spend five days learning from Executive Chef John Williams MBE and his award-winning team at two MICHELIN-starred The Ritz London – an experience few chefs ever access. 

After a competitive application process, Aberdeenshire local Alanna Taylor, Fraser Cameron, from Dumfries, and Perthshire-based chef Andrew Jackett were selected as having the passion, ambition, and commitment to Scottish produce that the judges were hoping to find.

Educated at North Highland College, Alanna Taylor has worked her way up the ranks at various northeast establishments, including The Chester Hotel and Barra Castle. Since 2022, she has been Head Pastry Chef at Meldrum House, where she celebrates and innovates with local produce. She is a member of the Scottish Culinary Team and has won medals for Scotland. Her leaping salmon, made from chocolate, was a showstopping success at the Culinary Olympics in 2024.    

Commenting on her achievement, Alanna added: “This is the first scholarship I have applied for and it's an incredible honour to reach the final three. I applied because the thought of winning and getting to go to The Ritz London would be incredible. The standard and attention to detail is something that I really admire. Throughout my career, their afternoon tea has always been the pinnacle and something I'd love to see first-hand.”  

For the past six years, Fraser Cameron has been Head Chef at The Globe Inn in Dumfries, managing a team of nine chefs and eight front of house staff. He first trained at UHI Perth, obtaining an HND in Professional Cookery, and has experience working in renowned establishments including Gleneagles, Leith’s Restaurant Martin Wishart, and Edinburgh’s 21212. 

Commenting on his achievement, Fraser added: "It is an absolute honour to be in the final three for The Legacy Scholarship. Opportunities like this rarely come around and to have made it this far fills me with pride.   

“The opportunity to surround myself in a world-class, industry-leading environment attracted me to apply. The chance to learn and grow in a business that is not only leading the way in food terms, but sustainability, passion, refinement and elegance, I see as being key to my personal development.  

“Although the judges have an incredibly difficult decision to make, hopefully they can be proud and excited that, regardless of the outcome, the future of Scottish hospitality is in good hands." 

Andrew Jackett started his career at Rangers Football Club while studying at Glasgow Clyde College, then going on to achieve an HND in Professional Cookery at the City of Glasgow College. Since 2023, he has worked at The Gleneagles Hotel, first as a commis chef and progressing to junior chef de partie, under the leadership of Executive Chef Darren Burns in the hotel’s Strathearn restaurant.  

Commenting on his achievement, Andrew added: "I would love to learn from the incredible team at The Ritz London and gain valuable development for not only my own career but to inspire others in the industry. It would be an invaluable and rewarding experience.” 

Fiona Richmond, Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink: “Hosting the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony Scotland for the first time helped to spotlight the exceptional culinary talent across the country. The Legacy Scholarship plays a vital role in nurturing that talent, giving emerging chefs the opportunity to sharpen their skills and grow their careers with the very best in the industry.  

“The calibre of applicants has been outstanding, with a clear passion for Scotland’s exceptional larder. To have finalists now preparing to learn from John Williams and the team at The Ritz London is a testament to the strength and ambition of the next generation of Scottish chefs.” 

The winner for Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award will be revealed at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards on Thursday, 4 September at DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow. 

For more information and to buy your tickets for The Excellence Awards 2025, click here