Perth Academy pupil wins Tayside heat of Futurechef Challenge

Nov 27 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH Academy pupil Jamie MacKinnon triumphed in the Tayside heat of a nationwide cookery competition this week.

The 15-year-old rising star will now go on to represent the region at the Scottish heats in Glasgow, to be held at the turn of the year, after serving-up a delicious salmon dish, with pasta, that tantalised the judges' tastebuds – followed by his own homemade ice-cream.

In a further show of Perthshire culinary expertise, Jamie was closely followed by runner-up Rachael Millar, from Blairgowrie High School.

Her sponge pudding left mouths watering.

Carolyn Baird, a project manager with competition organisers Springboard Scotland, said: "This was a closely-fought competition, with each of the six competitors having a secret weapon within either their main course or dessert to delight the judges.

“After much head-scratching and discussion, Jamie emerged overall winner and we wish him every success in Glasgow.”

The youngster's award, the Cittaslow Trophy, was presented by Perth and Kinross Councillor Jack Coburn, who is chair of Cittaslow Perth.

Held at Perth College UHI this week, the UK Futurechef Challenge final will take place in London in March.

The contest is for 12-16-year-olds who have designed and cooked a two-course meal to a set time and budget.

For the Tayside heat, the organisers joined forces with Cittaslow Perth, which is supporting the event for the third consecutive year.

“This is the 10th year of Futurechef, which demonstrates how successful a competition it has proved to be, both for the thousands of school pupils who have participated over the years and the industry members who support us,” added Carolyn.

She continued: “In addition to our main national sponsors, including the Savoy Educational Trust, The Worshipful Company of Cooks of London and the National Skills Academy, we are extremely grateful to Cittaslow for their continued support and to Perth College UHI for providing an ideal venue in which to hold the heat.”

Former Scottish finalists have gone on to work in some of the largest hotels in Scotland.

Participating schools included Perth High, Perth Academy, Breadalbane Academy, Blairgowrie High and Grove Academy.