Scotland’s National Chef Gary MacLean
Two Appearances
Friday, August 2, 2024 – 11:00 am and 2:00 pm in the tent (included in your admission ticket)
Born in Glasgow, award-winning chef Gary Maclean has spent 35 years at the forefront of Scotland's hospitality industry, overseeing the opening and development of over 80 venues throughout the country. In recognition of his achievements, the Scottish Government appointed Gary as Scotland's National Chef, a role in which he volunteers to assist with food health, education, and the promotion of Scottish produce across the globe. A passionate advocate for food education, particularly for children, Gary has served the City of Glasgow College for over 25 years, earning widespread recognition for his work in this field.
Gary's contributions to education and the culinary world have been celebrated through numerous accolades, including induction into the Scotland Colleges Hall of Fame, fellowships with the Master Chefs of Great Britain and the International Institute of Hospitality Management India, and winning Educator of the Year in 2016 from the Craft Guild of Chefs, and Chef Lecturer of the Year in 2017 from the CiS Awards. Also in 2017 Gary was awarded the Peter Jukes Fellows award for Education from the MasterChef’s of Great Britain. In 2021, he received the Mark Twain Award from the St. Andrews Society of New York State, while the Professional Association for Catering Education (PACE) recognized him with the Best Industry Ambassador Award in 2023.
Gary is also a seasoned presenter both on Radio and TV, hosting shows like BBC Landward and Corner Shop Cook off, as well as being a regular guest on shows both in the UK and the USA.
In 2016, Gary became BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals champion, beating 47 other professional chefs. Since his victory, he has travelled extensively to promote Scottish food and culture worldwide, visiting countries such as the USA, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Colombia, Barbados, Cuba, France, and Canada. Gary is also a published author, with books including Kitchen Essentials: The Joy of Home Cooking, Gary Maclean’s Scottish Kitchen, and Great FE Teaching. His latest book, Scottish Celebrations, was released in November 2023, and The Scottish Kitchen was published in August 2023 in North America by Penguin Random House. Additionally, Gary owns two Edinburgh-based businesses—a sustainable seafood restaurant, Creel Caught, and a Scottish deli, Soup & Caboodle.
Keep up with Gary Maclean's latest news and culinary adventures on his website www.garymacchef.com