Dornoch students shine at national Scottish Chefs Skills Challenge

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Professional Cookery students from UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Dornoch Campus have returned from Glasgow with a haul of medals after competing against more than 150 student chefs from across Scotland.

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Left to right: Stevie Sutherland, Sydney Brown, and Jamie Williamson outside the Dornoch campus with their awards.

The UHI North, West and Hebrides students secured recognition across multiple categories:

  • Sydney Brown – Gold medal, Live Cooking: Chocolate Dessert
  • Blessing Chitombo – Silver medal, Caesar Salad Challenge; Bronze medal, Chicken for Sauté
  • Stevie Sutherland – Bronze medal, Live Cooking: Chocolate Dessert
  • Jamie Williamson – Commended, Fish Preparation

Competitors were assessed in real time by industry judges on technical precision, knife skills, presentation, flavour, and minimising wastage, conditions that replicate the pressures of professional kitchen environments.

Sydney, Blessing and Stevie holding their certificates and medals at the event in Glasgow

Simon Rodgers, Professional Cookery and Hospitality Lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:

"The Scottish Chefs Skills Challenge was a fantastic new event that drew an incredible number of entries from colleges and training providers across Scotland. This is a brilliant achievement for our Dornoch campus and a testament to the dedication of both our students and their lecturers. These competitions demand immense commitment and extra preparation beyond the classroom, and seeing such outstanding results is a proud moment for everyone involved. Our thanks go to the Federation of Chefs Scotland and Lomond Foods for making this challenge possible."

The results reflect the strength of UHI North, West and Hebrides' Professional Cookery and Hospitality provision, which equips students with the practical skills and industry confidence needed to succeed in one of Scotland's most important economic sectors. The college offers a range of cookery and hospitality programmes at its Dornoch, Thurso, Fort William and Stornoway campuses, providing students across the Highlands with access to high-quality vocational training close to home.

Learn more about our Professional Cookery and Hospitality courses.

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