A Forth Valley College Professional Cookery student savoured The Gleneagles Hotel experience, when he took part in a competition recently.
Steven Tweedie (17) from Denny - who is just about to complete his six-month long Professional Cookery Level 2 City and Guilds course at the FVC Stirling Campus – was chosen by his lecturers to represent the college at the Gibby Culinary Scholarship at Gleneagles on Monday 12 February.
During the competition, he had to undergo an interview, a skills test – which involved preparing two fillets of flat fish – and a question paper. Unfortunately for Steven he did not progress further on the day, but the experience has inspired him to want to take part in more cookery competitions.
Steven, who hopes to move on to do an HNC at FVC and progress to university, said: “It was an amazing experience – one in a million. Just to get chosen by my lecturers, to represent the college has made me feel like I am doing something right.”
Karyn King, Curriculum Manager, in FVC’s Department of Hospitality and Salon Services, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity and experience for Steven and I am delighted to support the students when they are ready for competitions.”
The Gibby Culinary Scholarship was created by The Gleneagles Hotel and supported by HIT Scotland and the Federation of Chefs. The scholarship was started in memory of Alan Gibb, executive head chef at The Gleneagles Hotel, who during his career was passionate about professional development, and providing opportunities and mentoring to young people embarking on a culinary career.