Young Chef of the Year Inspired by Scottish Pupils

Young Chef of the Year Ross Marshall was put to the test by pupils from schools across Scotland in his own restaurant in Fife at the weekend.

Over the St Andrews Festival Weekend, the winners of Ross’s Recipe Competition gathered in the 3AA rosette awarded Road Hole Restaurant at The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa and watched as Ross - the head chef - cooked up an array of their very own recipes.

Erin Drummond from Grangemouth High School, winner of the Senior School Category, was joined at the resort on Saturday morning by Niamh Nicolson from Newport Primary School, and Grace Hutchence and Kerri McLeod from Cannongate Primary School.

After a cooking demonstration throughout which Ross listened carefully to the girls’ instructions and cooking tips, the winners’ families and friends were then served canapés of the pupils’ dishes which included a mouthwatering main course dish of Balsamic Duck and Potato Rosti, and three decadent puddings – Strawberry Sponge Sake, Shortbread and an original Sticky Irn-Bru Loaf with Marmalade Drizzle.

Susan Drummond, mother of winner Erin, said: "We were delighted to find out Erin had won with her Duck and Potato Rosti Dish.

"We thoroughly enjoyed the morning and seeing Ross produce Erin’s recipe was fascinating. She really enjoyed herself, and the experience has only flared her passion for cooking."

Throughout the demonstration, Ross highlighted the importance of nurturing young talent, and he was joined by his own sous chef, Patrick Boyd, for the demonstration.

Ross said: "Many of our restaurant positions are filled by promoting our younger chefs, so the recipe competition was a great way to engage with future chefs.

"The inspiration behind Erin, Niamh, Grace and Kerri’s recipes was fresh, interesting and exactly what we look for here. I hope all four girls continue to develop their passion for cooking, and most importantly, enjoy doing so."

The Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has 144 luxurious rooms including 35 suites, and borders the 17th Road Hole of the world-famous Old Course in St Andrews, the Home of Golf.

The hotel has spectacular views across the links courses to the sea, The Grampians and St Andrews.

Kohler Co. acquired the award-winning venue in October 2004 and has since completed a comprehensive investment programme, which includes new suites by French designer Jacques Garcia and a brand new, state-of-the-art conference wing.

The Kohler Waters Spa opened in March 2006 and is a member of the prestigious Leading Spas.

Meanwhile, The Duke's St Andrews is a magnificent heathland masterpiece with views over the town. It reopened in the summer of 2006 following a transformation by American golf course architect Tim Liddy, protégé of Pete Dye.

Recently positioned by Golf World magazine in the UK’s top 100 courses, The Duke’s is now on many golfers "must play" lists.

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