Young Chef of the year
Our Young Chef of the Year competition offers an incredible opportunity for emerging culinary talent to shine and learn what it takes to compete in the national competitions.
This prestigious event serves as a platform for young chefs to elevate their profiles, showcasing their skills and creativity to a wider audience. As they compete for the coveted title, these talented chefs are not only demonstrating their culinary prowess but also shaping the future of the industry.
These chefs are the future
With innovation and passion at the forefront, the competitors are truly the ones to watch as they lead the next generation of culinary excellence.
Young Chef of the Year 2026
We’re delighted to announce that applications are now open for the North East of Scotland Young Chef of the Year 2025 category.
Important Dates
Closing date for applications: 6th March 2026
Finalists notified: Shortly after closing date
Finalists’ Seminar: Hosted by Orry Shand, Executive Chef at Entier, Scottish Culinary Team Captain, and the 2025 National Chef of the Year. (Date to be confirmed)
Please remember to include your chef jacket size on the application form below when sending this over so we can order the appropriate size in plenty time.
Please send completed entries to info@hospitality-training.org.uk.
💷 Entry Fees
We’re pleased to confirm that entry fees have been waived again for 2026, to encourage as many chefs as possible to take part.
🍽 Awards Dinner
Details of the awards dinner will be shared once finalised.
All finalists will receive one complimentary ticket to the dinner.
Please note that applications must include all required documents listed above to be considered.
We look forward to seeing your creativity and skills in this year’s competition — and wish you the very best of luck!
What you could win
It’s a coveted title and an excellent stage to show your creativity and skills
£1000
Prize fund for the winner
Young chef of the year finalists 2025
Our young chefs were mentored by Orry Shand the National Chef of the Year 2025. Judged and feedback provided by Scotland’s most respected chefs; Mark Donald, Stephen McLaughlin, Kevin MacGillivray, and Willie Pike. A fabulous way to continue developing and honing their skills.
North East Scotland young chef of the year competition finalists and their dishes
Spotlight on Emerging Talent: Chef of the Year 2025
Jay Dickson, The Kildrummy Inn
Jay works at The Kildrummy Inn, an established gem on the local culinary map owned by David and Sophie Littlewood. The inn boasts a reputation for excellence, having secured numerous awards including AA Inn of the Year and two rosettes. Jay impressed judges with a menu that demonstrated both skill and a confident expression of regional flavours.
Tortellini of spiced cod, crispy langoustine ‘scampi’, squash purée, spicy langoustine bisque
Fillet & cheek of Grampian pork, fondant potato, spring vegetables, trotter jus
White chocolate mousse, poached rhubarb, lemon curd ice cream, browned butter & lemon frangipane