Schools master chef winner triumphs at UHI Inverness finals evening

INVERNESS High School pupil Milan Matheson was crowned Schools Master Chef champion when the annual cooking competition for local secondary pupils was decided at UHI Inverness.

Milan competed against Alec Macrae from Charleston Academy, Ellen Hogg from Fortrose Academy and Jackson Slade from Nairn Academy under the supervision of Professional Cookery lecturer Saurav Kumar during the final in the campus training kitchen and restaurant.

Judith Fish from the Applecross Inn and renowned chef Sean Kelly from the Lovat Loch Ness and Station Road Restaurant were judges for the evening, which was attended by around 50 parents and teachers.

The finalists had battled their way through school heats and a semi-final as well as cooking under the direction of a head chef in a professional kitchen as part of the overall experience. Pupils from Inverness Royal Academy also took part in the competition. 

Stuart Fraser from competition sponsors Williamson Foodservice said:

“We were delighted again to be involved in this exciting competition that sees dozens of local pupils from different year groups come together to show off their cooking skills. Collaboration between schools, colleges and the hospitality sector itself including chef judges and our own sponsorship helps give young people a great taste of the hospitality and catering sector. It is especially satisfying when we hear some of those who took part in previous years have gone on to further careers in cooking.”

Brian Philip from the competition organisers Rotary Club of Inverness Culloden, said:

“We are indebted to the teachers in the schools taking part as well as the chef judges as the competition could not go ahead without their time, commitment and energy.”

Professor Chris O’Neil, Principal and Chief Executive of UHI Inverness, said:

“As hosts of the final, it is a real pleasure to welcome such amazing young cooks into our training kitchen and to continue supporting a competition that showcases their impressive skills. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for school pupils to explore their interest in cookery by encouraging them to try new things, build their confidence and have fun preparing delicious food. Congratulations to all the finalists - I look forward to seeing more from these great young chefs in the future.”