Scotland’s most talented up-and-coming chefs are being offered the chance to learn in one of the country’s most iconic kitchens, as the new Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship Award opens for applications from today, Thursday, 1st May 2025.

Launched in partnership between Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland, the innovative new scholarship was created to celebrate the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland taking place in Scotland for the first time. 

As a legacy project from the event, the scholarship will see one successful applicant undertake a unique five-day stage at The Ritz London, led by Executive Chef John Williams MBE.

With Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles and The Glenturret Lalique both holding two MICHELIN Stars, and a further 11 restaurants with one MICHELIN Star dotted around the country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to world-class dining. 

The new scholarship aims to showcase the inspirational development opportunities available to chefs in Scotland, while providing a stepping stone for those looking to progress in their career.

Applications are welcomed from any chef in Scotland with at least five years’ experience working full-time in a professional kitchen, with entries closing on Friday, 13th June 2025.

As well as looking for ambition, enthusiasm and a desire to progress within the industry, a panel of expert judges will seek clear examples of how applicants have shown commitment to sourcing and promoting quality Scottish food and drink, and how they would become an ambassador for Scotland’s exceptional ingredients on completion of the internship.

After a rigorous judging process, which will see the top three candidates invited for interview, the scholarship winner will be announced at the prestigious Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, taking place on Thursday, 4th September at DoubleTree by Hilton, Glasgow.

Fiona Richmond (pictured above), Head of Regional Food at Scotland Food & Drink, said: “Having the MICHELIN Award Ceremony held in Scotland for the first time shone a spotlight on the wealth of talent we have working in kitchens up and down the country – and the new Legacy Scholarship is an important part of helping the next generation develop skills and progress their career.

We are excited to hear from chefs who have a passion for working with Scotland’s unparalleled larder, from seafood and dairy to whisky and beef, and would encourage anyone looking to take the next step in their culinary journey to apply. 

John Williams and the team at The Ritz are world-renowned for their skill, refinement and dedication, so this Scholarship represents a unique opportunity for a Scottish chef to hone their craft.”

David Cochrane, CEO of HIT Scotland, added: “These opportunities are a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from the best of the best, and enhance your skills and knowledge with one of the top practitioners in the country. We are proud to support this legacy from the Awards, and this will be a very desirable learning experience at The Ritz.”

John Williams MBE, Executive Chef at The Ritz London, said: “I believe that strong mentorship and quality training are essential to shaping the next generation of industry leaders, and we would be honoured to welcome the winner to spend a week with us at The Ritz London.”

Scotland Food & Drink is the leadership organisation that is responsible for the delivery of the 10-year national food and drink strategy ‘Sustaining Scotland. Supplying the World’.  

For more than 15 years it has led the Scotland Food & Drink Partnership, representing the industry and its more than 350 member businesses to government, and bringing industry, government, and government agencies together. One group with a shared vision, working for the benefit of Scotland’s agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and food and drink sectors.  

Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland is a unique charity for the hospitality industry in Scotland, encouraging the development of anyone working or studying in the sector. Led and supported by the same industry it serves, HIT Scotland offers opportunities to broaden skills and grow personally through their inspirational scholarship programme. 

This is all made possible through industry support and sponsorship of fundraising events and outdoor challenges. These events also offer everyone a chance to network with their industry community in a fun and relaxed way.