Dingwall Academy pupil crowned Inverness and Culloden Schools Masterchef winner for 2019 after winning final at Inverness College UHI
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A YOUNG culinary whizz from Dingwall Academy is celebrating after she was crowned the latest winner of the Inverness and Culloden Schools Masterchef competition.
Lauren Bell (pictured) scooped the top prize in the final in Inverness College UHI on Tuesday.
Her win marked the culmination of three months of heats and finals and saw her compete among a record breaking field of 79 entrants – the biggest in the contest's history.
Her culinary creations were also judged by top industry figures, such as food writer and founder of Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye, Lady Claire Macdonald, and head chef at Kinloch Lodge, Marcello Tully.
Around 60 friends and relatives of competitors as well as teachers and local chefs attended the final, which saw the four finalists use the college's professional kitchen and venue facilities.
The competition has been running for six years.
Lauren won through her school qualifying round, a semi-final against five other schools and last night’s final to be crowned Schools Masterchef champion in Inverness & Culloden.
The Williamson Foodservice sponsored competition is organised by The Rotary Club of Inverness Culloden and included Culloden Academy, Dingwall Academy, Fortrose Academy, Inverness High School, Inverness Royal Academy and Millburn Academy.
Williamson Foodservice managing director, Gary Williamson, said: “It is encouraging that more schools and competitors have been involved this year than ever before.
"Chefs from local hotels, restaurants and other eateries also came forward in greater numbers as judges and this added to an even greater experience for all concerned.
“This collaborative approach ensures vital links are made between those working in the hospitality sector; young people who are interested in developing careers in food and drink; and educators like Inverness College UHI who provide formal training and skills.
"Teachers also play an essential co-ordinating role promoting and running heats often in their own time. To them we are especially grateful.”
The four finalists also got to spend the day in a professional kitchen as part of the Schools Masterchef experience in order to develop their wider skills, knowledge and understanding of the hospitality trade.
Inverness & Culloden Rotary President James Milton said: “We want to encourage even more school children to come forward in the future and I hope those who helped or supported contestants this year come back in 2020 as competitors in their own right.
“We have ambitions to attract more local schools too so that the benefits of this competition can be felt by even more young people throughout Inverness and the surrounding area.”
Finalists included: Lauren Bell, Dingwall Academy; Charlotte Burton, Inverness Royal Academy; Emma Warner, Inverness High School; and Alix Callaghan, Fortrose Academy.
