Students gained a valuable insight into the hospitality industry recently when they visited the Highland Gate Restaurant, Bar and Hotel in Stirling.
The 12 Forth Valley College Hospitality Refresh students – currently on a six week Skills Boost programme set up as a result of the lockdown – split into groups of three to walk the short distance from their Stirling Campus base to the popular venue, to learn all about the principles of cellar management… and changing the odd keg of beer.
The photograph shows the first group - Paul Farley (24) and Avril Cameron (60) both from Stirling and Andrew Sharp (19) from Dunblane – being led by Hospitality Lecturer Carolyn Taylor (bottom right) on the visit on Friday 21 May.
Carolyn, said: “We were all made feel very welcome by their Assistant Manager Ross Pollock who firstly explained how the Highland Gate restaurant and bar operated. This explanation plus a tour further confirmed the students’ learning so far at college. Ross then gave us a tour of their working cellar, which was an excellent example of one for the students to experience. While there he explained all aspects of the working cellar from the correct room temperature and product storage, all aspects of health and safety, correct CO2 storage and levels, to a demonstration of how to change an actual beer keg.
“This tour and first hand demonstration from Ross has really helped all the students to grow their knowledge and skills learned and experienced so far. They can now take this knowledge and experience with them in their future hospitality career.
“This visit has confirmed the strong relationship Forth Valley College has with the Highland Gate Restaurant, Bar and Hotel and with our new Hospitality Refresh Course, Ross and I are confident that we will only strengthen this bond in the future.”
Highland Gate Assistant Manager Ross Pollock, said: It was our pleasure to host a group of keen hospitality orientated individuals, who were all very interested and full of questions. They really enjoyed their afternoon in a realistic hospitality environment, and seeing different skills in a practical environment will no doubt help them on their learning journey. I look forward to working closely with Carolyn and the team at Forth Valley College in the future, building a great relationship with such a prestigious college and a great pub and restaurant in The Highland Gate.”
