Scotland's culinary scene, and hospitality and tourism sector were celebrated in style last month, and ScotHot returned to Glasgow's SEC.
ScotHot, a showcase for food, drink, hospitality, retail, and tourism, named a new Scottish Chef of the Year, with Craig Palmer of Entier Wild Thyme taking home the title and Cliodhna Reid of Gleneagles Hotel named Scottish Young Chef of the Year.
To celebrate the showcase's 50th birthday, ScotHot honoured a list of 50 rising stars to recognise and celebrate those making their mark within their respective sector – acknowledging Hospitality Heroes, Champion Chefs, Rising up in Retail, Brilliant in Beverage and Tourism Trendsetters.
Toby Wand, Managing Director of 365 Events, the team behind ScotHot23, said: “We could not have asked for a better way to celebrate ScotHot’s 50th birthday than with the incredible chefs, exhibitors, and visitors that make up Scotland’s food, drink, hospitality, retail and tourism industries.
"While each day held so many highlights, the biggest stand-out to us was the resilience and innovation of the industry on show from all in attendance.
“We saw a particularly strong showing from upcoming generations in the industry – the 50 Rising Stars that we were able to recognise at the show make us immensely excited for what the next few years will bring.”
How are the ScotHot 50 Rising Stars chosen?
Picture: Chris Watt for ScotHot
Following an extensive shortlisting and judging process, with well over 200 applications considered, a ‘hot list’ of 50 Rising Stars was revealed by ScotHot.
Individuals were encouraged to nominate their colleagues, friends, employees, and role models in each category, not limited by age but ten years’ experience or less within the industry was essential.
Of the shortlist, head judge David Cochrane, MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said: “Reading all the submissions was uplifting – it certainly reveals a great statement on the health of the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors in Scotland. There was an abundance of talent, personality and enthusiasm in all of the 50 Rising Stars that was inspirational to all of the judges”
Toby Wand added: “Seeing so many worthy individuals nominated for our 50 Rising Stars list was incredible, and it was a tough decision for us judges to pick our top 50.
“We would like to say a huge congratulations from all of us at ScotHot to those who made the 50 Rising Stars list – we are so looking forward to seeing you at the event in March and celebrating your achievements together.”
Rising Stars of the Scottish hospitality scene to look out for
Sophie Aire, Business Support Manager – People: Stack and Still Limited – Hospitality Heroes
Lorna Allison, Marketing and Merchandising Manager: Brakes Scotland – Rising Up in Retail
Stefanie Anderson, Bar Manager: Gleneagles Townhouse – Brilliant in Beverage
William Bailey, Junior Sous/Pastry Chef: Meldrum House Country Hotel and Golf Course – Champion Chefs
Ross Boyd, Chef-de-Partie: Amuse by Kevin Dalgleish – Champion Chefs
Jack Bray, Mixologist: voco Grand Central Hotel IHG – Brilliant in Beverage
Franck Bruyere, Operations and Sustainability Director: St James Quarter – Rising Up in Retail
Martin Buchanan, Deputy General Manager: The Oak Tree Inn – Hospitality Heroes
Fraser Cameron, Senior Sous Chef: The Globe Inn /1610 restaurant – Champion Chefs
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
