BBC’s Great British Menu kicked off at the end of January, with new judge - chef Lorna McNee from Glasgow’s Michelin Starred Cail Bruich.
The Scottish chefs set to compete in the regional heat, which will be aired on Tuesday 11 February, have been revealed as Mark McCabe head chef of three AA rosette Henrock by Simon Rogan, at Linthwaite House, Bowness in Windemere, Cumbria; Hannah Rose, head chef, working on super yachts, who is from St. Andrews, David Millar, executive chef at Carlowrie Castle, Kirkliston, near Edinburgh and Calum Munro, chef-owner at Scorrybreac, Portee, Isle of Skye.
37-year-old Mark McCabe, originally from Tannadice, north of Dundee, is now living and working in Cumbria, and is competing in his second season of Great British Menu. While Calum Munro is making his TV debut on the twentieth series of the cooking show.
The series which began on 28 January, with three episodes shown each week, is part of a nine-week series, covering each regional heat before finals week, and the series finale culminating in a magnificent historical banquet which will be held at Blenheim Palace.
This year’s theme “Great Britons” will see the chefs draw inspiration from important people, who’ve come from their area from ancient and modern history as they develop their menus, with the best being showcased at the banquet marking 20 years of the Great British Menu.
The programme format remains the same, with Andi Oliver returning to present the series, with a judging line-up of: Michelin-starred, GBM double banquet winner, Tom Kerridge; Comedian and Food Podcast Presenter Ed Gamble; and new for this year, Scotland’s Lorna McNee, of Michelin-starred restaurant Cail Bruich, a former champion of champions on Great British Menu.
Mark McCabe said: “I’m looking forward to getting into the kitchen and having the chance of going head-to-head with the talented chefs representing Scotland this year.
"This year’s theme promises to be challenging, and will definitely make us all think about the structure of our menus, inspired by the many historical figures from Scotland’s rich history.
"One thing is for sure, none of us will be able to take our eye off the ball for one second, especially as it’s Great British Menu’s 20th anniversary year. So, fingers crossed, and we’ll see where I end up in this year’s competition.’’
Calum Munro added: “Taking part in Great British Menu this year has certainly been one of my career highlights so far.
"I’ve been a big fan of the show for as long as I can remember, and it’s been a real dream to have been asked to represent Scotland in its twentieth year and compete against some of the country’s top chefs.
"I’m up against some serious talent and I’m really looking forward to everyone at home watching my journey on screen.
“This year’s brief is ‘Great Britons’, which was a lot of fun to work with - highlighting historical figures from Skye and across Scotland. I can’t wait for people to see my interpretation of the theme through the dishes I created, which champion the outstanding produce available to us around Scotland and the Hebrides.”
The first episode of the Scottish heat is set to air on Tuesday 11 February, at 8pm on BBC Two and iPlayer.
