Commando Chef on a mission at FVC Stirling Campus

Friday 1st May 2026

Colour Sergeant Mike Beaton, also known as the 'Commando Chef' arrived at Forth Valley College’s Stirling Campus recently on a mission to inspire cookery and hospitality students.

The engaging chef who has dedicated 37 years of service to the Royal Marines visited on Wednesday 29 April for a workshop with a selection of students on the City and Guilds Level 1 Professional Cookery, Level 1 Hospitality Services and English For Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course.

Karyn King FVC Operations Manager for the Department of Creative, Digital and Leisure Industries (pictured far left), said: “It was fantastic to see a real variety of students engage with this session, where they did a cooking exercise and a session around life in the Royal Navy. Mike also talks about his own experience of drugs and alcohol prior to joining the navy and was very passionate on his area of expertise. I am sure all the students benefited from the experience.”

Despite leaving school without qualifications and having a rough start in life, Mike acknowledges the Marines for turning things around for him.

Famous online for his catchy 'Boom!' tagline, the commando is giving back to the community by teaching young people the principles of the Royal Marines through hands-on cooking classes.

The Colour Sergeant also guides young people, many who have been in trouble with the police for a range of offences – from anti-social behaviour to knife and gun crime – helping them to get back on track.

More information on Mike can be found by visiting: https://www.forcesnews.com/services/royal-marines/royal-marine-commando-turning-lives-around-one-dish-time

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