A Scottish chef has won a top culinary title that is "often regarded as the toughest to win in the UK".
He was named National Chef of the Year at a glittering event with some of the biggest names in hospitality at the "largest UK chefs’ association" event.
The Craft Guild of Chefs crowned Orry Shand, who grew up and lives in Aberdeenshire, with the title.
Ten talented chefs battled it out in the kitchen to serve up three dishes that would impress some of the biggest stars of the culinary world.
This included chair of judges, Matt Abé who is chef patron at three Michelin-starred Restaurant Gordon Ramsay.
Mr Shand took the top spot with his menu of Turbot from the North Sea with smoky Orkney scallop for starter, Lumina lamb with the Scottish autumn for main course and a celebration of Manjari Valrhona with influences from Asia for dessert.
During his career, Mr Shand has worked at some of the most talked about venues in Scotland including Number One at The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie in The Gleneagles Hotel and The Chester Hotel in Aberdeen.
His current role is at Entier where he is executive chef and looks after a production and retail kitchen along with a training school for young apprentice chefs. He also caters for private dinners and events in the Aberdeenshire area.
Mr Shand, executive chef at Entier Ltd said: "I’m absolutely blown away to win this title and receive such incredible feedback from the judges. It was my first time entering National Chef of the Year and there were so many talented chefs in that final with me so it’s an absolute honour to take the top spot. I’m really proud to take this national title back home to Scotland and hope it inspires other chefs to get involved and showcase their culinary skills on the biggest stage."
Mr Shand will enjoy a range of foodie experiences around the UK and Europe as well as receiving £3,000 from the Worshipful Company of Cooks of London to spend on his own culinary development.
The Craft Guild of Chefs is the largest UK chefs’ association with members worldwide in foodservice and hospitality, from students and trainees to top management working everywhere from Michelin-starred restaurants to school catering divisions.
The "prestigious title of National Chef of the Year is the prize all competitive chefs are chasing but the accolade comes with a host of other impressive prizes kindly donated by the event sponsors", the association said.
Scottish bank fined millions for poor treatment of customers
The UK's financial watchdog has hit high street lender TSB with a £10.9 million fine for failing to ensure that customers in arrears on mortgage, loan and credit card repayments were treated fairly.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said the bank, which is registered in Scotland and owned by Spanish giant Sabadell, lacked suitable systems and controls that created a "real risk that repayment plans were not realistic". This increased the uncertainty and stress for customers, particularly the vulnerable.
Between June 2014 and March 2020, the FCA said TSB staff were not sufficiently trained to understand customers' financial circumstances. In addition, incentive schemes could have encouraged them to prioritise the number of payment plans agreed, rather than ensuring they were affordable.
‘Spectacular’ city centre event venue unveiled following £750,000 investment
A "spectacular" new event venue has opened in Glasgow city centre.
Glasgow headquartered major event producer and deals company itison has unveiled its new event and creative space – the itison HUB - following a £750,000 refurbishment.
Located just off George Square, itison HUB comes complete with a 30m indoor running track, a giant video wall, a full service bar, FITISON (the in-house gym), lounge area, quiet spaces and games zone. The space also has a full lighting and sound rig able to transform the space from a screening room into a nightclub.
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