Andrew Fairlie to let haggis loose at Kilimanjaro summit

Jan 1 2010 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PATRIOTIC Perthshire chef is preparing to taste the highlife – and raise some charity cheer.

Gleneagles Hotel stalwart Andrew Fairlie hopes to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, then prepare a Burns Supper for his hungry companions.

The 45-year-old restaurateur will join 15 other brave souls on a gruelling expedition up the 19,340ft African peak to bolster the coffers of the Hospitality Industry Trust.

He will be following in the footsteps of the likes of celebrity DJ Chris Moyles and Girls Aloud star Cheryl Cole who raised £1.4million for Comic Relief after trekking to the summit earlier this year.

Father-of-two Andrew, whose culinary skills have been recognised with Michelin stars, said he hoped to be in fine physical fettle in time for the challenge in 2011.

And, in tribute to Bard Robert Burns, the proud Scot has pledged to prepare traditional staples haggis, neeps and tatties at the top of Kilimanjaro.

“It's certainly going to be an adventure,” said Andrew yesterday.

“I'm hugely excited about getting to Tanzania though I feel a bit nervous about getting in shape.

“I want to make sure I'm as fit and healthy as possible, so my New Year's resolution for 2010 is to climb a mountain a month.

“Hopefully after a while it'll feel like a walk in the park.”

After being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2005, Andrew became involved with numerous good causes, including Maggie's cancer charity.

“I've always tried to give something back,” said the chef.

“After I had my operation I was more determined to work closely with Maggie's and others who are ill.

“HIT Scotland is another fantastic cause, offering a leg up to young chefs struggling to get their career started.”