Perthshire is celebrating a remarkable achievement in the world of hospitality, with two exceptionally talented women from the region being crowned Young Chef of the Year and Young Waiter of the Year at a prestigious awards ceremony. The event, hosted at the internationally renowned Gleneagles Hotel, recognised the brightest emerging stars in Scotland’s vibrant culinary and service sectors, setting the stage for future national representation on the global stage.
The Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Scotland 2025 awards, a highly anticipated fixture in the industry calendar, brought together a cohort of the nation’s most promising professionals. Over an intensive two-day competition, finalists underwent rigorous assessments designed to scrutinise every aspect of their craft, from intricate kitchen techniques and impeccable table service to the art of mixology. The ultimate goal of these awards is not just to celebrate current excellence, but to identify and nurture the individuals who will proudly carry Scotland’s reputation for world-class hospitality forward. Perthshire’s Culinary Talent Takes Centre Stage
Among the standout victors was Amber Rissmann, who secured the coveted title of Young Chef of the Year. Amber, a dedicated member of the culinary team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles Hotel’s esteemed two-Michelin-starred establishment, captivated the judges with her exceptional skill and innovative approach. Her victory is particularly impressive given her age, demonstrating a level of professionalism and talent that belies her years. The judging panel, led by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Lorna McNee, heaped praise on Amber, highlighting her dessert as the decisive factor in her triumph. Chef McNee remarked on Amber’s “incredible skill and composure” at just 19 years old, noting that while she is “not the finished article yet,” her potential is “outstanding.” This glowing endorsement underscores the rigorous training and high standards upheld at Gleneagles, which continues to foster top-tier talent right here in Perthshire. Her journey to the World Final will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest by the local community, eager to see Perthshire’s culinary prowess celebrated globally. Excellence in Service, Reflecting Perthshire’s Hospitality
Joining Amber in the winner’s circle was Belana Negri, who was honoured as Young Waiter of the Year. Also hailing from Gleneagles Hotel, Belana’s victory in the service category speaks volumes about her dedication to guest experience. Simon King, the Head Judge for the Waiter category, applauded Belana for her unwavering focus on the guest, emphasising her “warmth, empathy, and communication.” He noted how her ability to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere at the table was exemplary, considering not only the guests’ immediate needs but also the broader business objectives and the overall dining experience. This meticulous attention to detail and genuine care are hallmarks of exceptional front-of-house professionals, crucial in an area like Perth and Kinross, which relies heavily on a thriving tourism and hospitality sector. Belana’s success is a testament to the comprehensive training and service philosophy instilled at Gleneagles, ensuring that visitors to Perthshire receive an unparalleled standard of care and attention.
Completing this trio of Scottish champions was Sam Chatterji, who earned the title of Young Mixologist of the Year. Together, Amber, Belana, and Sam will embark on an exciting journey to London next year, where they will proudly represent Scotland at the Young Chef, Young Waiter, Young Mixologist Global Final. This international competition will provide them with an invaluable platform to showcase their skills on a world stage, further enhancing Scotland’s reputation for excellence in hospitality. Inspiring Future Generations in Local Hospitality
These awards are more than just personal accolades; they signify a thriving and dynamic hospitality landscape within Perth and Kinross. Gleneagles Hotel, a cornerstone of the region’s luxury tourism industry, continues to serve as a vital training ground and a benchmark for quality, attracting and developing some of the finest talents in the country. The success of these young professionals sends an inspiring message to aspiring chefs, waiters, and mixologists across Perthshire, demonstrating the rewarding career opportunities available in the local hospitality sector and highlighting the importance of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. Their upcoming participation in the Global Final is a source of immense pride for Perthshire, showcasing the region’s commitment to nurturing excellence and its significant contribution to Scotland’s celebrated culinary and service heritage, a key draw for tourists visiting our beautiful country and, indeed, our region.
The Young Chef Young Waiter Young Mixologist Scotland 2025 awards, a highly anticipated fixture in the industry calendar, brought together a cohort of the nation’s most promising professionals. Over an intensive two-day competition, finalists underwent rigorous assessments designed to scrutinise every aspect of their craft, from intricate kitchen techniques and impeccable table service to the art of mixology. The ultimate goal of these awards is not just to celebrate current excellence, but to identify and nurture the individuals who will proudly carry Scotland’s reputation for world-class hospitality forward. Perthshire’s Culinary Talent Takes Centre Stage
Among the standout victors was Amber Rissmann, who secured the coveted title of Young Chef of the Year. Amber, a dedicated member of the culinary team at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Gleneagles Hotel’s esteemed two-Michelin-starred establishment, captivated the judges with her exceptional skill and innovative approach. Her victory is particularly impressive given her age, demonstrating a level of professionalism and talent that belies her years. The judging panel, led by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Lorna McNee, heaped praise on Amber, highlighting her dessert as the decisive factor in her triumph. Chef McNee remarked on Amber’s “incredible skill and composure” at just 19 years old, noting that while she is “not the finished article yet,” her potential is “outstanding.” This glowing endorsement underscores the rigorous training and high standards upheld at Gleneagles, which continues to foster top-tier talent right here in Perthshire. Her journey to the World Final will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest by the local community, eager to see Perthshire’s culinary prowess celebrated globally. Excellence in Service, Reflecting Perthshire’s Hospitality
Joining Amber in the winner’s circle was Belana Negri, who was honoured as Young Waiter of the Year. Also hailing from Gleneagles Hotel, Belana’s victory in the service category speaks volumes about her dedication to guest experience. Simon King, the Head Judge for the Waiter category, applauded Belana for her unwavering focus on the guest, emphasising her “warmth, empathy, and communication.” He noted how her ability to create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere at the table was exemplary, considering not only the guests’ immediate needs but also the broader business objectives and the overall dining experience. This meticulous attention to detail and genuine care are hallmarks of exceptional front-of-house professionals, crucial in an area like Perth and Kinross, which relies heavily on a thriving tourism and hospitality sector. Belana’s success is a testament to the comprehensive training and service philosophy instilled at Gleneagles, ensuring that visitors to Perthshire receive an unparalleled standard of care and attention.
Completing this trio of Scottish champions was Sam Chatterji, who earned the title of Young Mixologist of the Year. Together, Amber, Belana, and Sam will embark on an exciting journey to London next year, where they will proudly represent Scotland at the Young Chef, Young Waiter, Young Mixologist Global Final. This international competition will provide them with an invaluable platform to showcase their skills on a world stage, further enhancing Scotland’s reputation for excellence in hospitality. Inspiring Future Generations in Local Hospitality
These awards are more than just personal accolades; they signify a thriving and dynamic hospitality landscape within Perth and Kinross. Gleneagles Hotel, a cornerstone of the region’s luxury tourism industry, continues to serve as a vital training ground and a benchmark for quality, attracting and developing some of the finest talents in the country. The success of these young professionals sends an inspiring message to aspiring chefs, waiters, and mixologists across Perthshire, demonstrating the rewarding career opportunities available in the local hospitality sector and highlighting the importance of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. Their upcoming participation in the Global Final is a source of immense pride for Perthshire, showcasing the region’s commitment to nurturing excellence and its significant contribution to Scotland’s celebrated culinary and service heritage, a key draw for tourists visiting our beautiful country and, indeed, our region.