Archive - February 2025

Our Executive Chef, David Millar, Wins Scottish Chef of the Year 2025

We’re beyond proud to share that our Executive Chef, David Millar, has been named Scottish Chef of the Year 2025 at the Scottish Culinary Championships.

The competition, held in Glasgow as part of ScotHot, put some of Scotland’s most talented chefs through a high-pressure challenge, testing their creativity, precision, and ability to turn incredible ingredients into award-winning dishes.

David’s menu, which featured sustainably sourced venison from Ronay Island, won over the expert judging panel with its bold flavours and expert craftsmanship.

David said: “To win the Scottish Chef of the Year is the result of years of hard work, months of planning, and hours and hours of run-throughs. Within the chef community it’s a very prestigious honour and I’m over the moon to take the title. To have the judges eat my food that I was happy with was massive for me, I have zero regrets.’’

A Rising Star in Scottish Cuisine

David has been making waves in the culinary world, most recently competing on the 20th anniversary series of Great British Menu, where he took on some of Scotland’s top chefs. His skill, creativity, and passion for seasonal, local produce have set him apart as a chef to watch.

Since joining Carlowrie Castle, David has taken our dining experience to new heights, crafting unforgettable menus for luxury weddings, corporate events, and private stays. His focus on sustainability and seasonality aligns perfectly with Carlowrie Castle’s B Corp certification, reflecting our commitment to ethical, responsible hospitality.

A Proud Moment for Carlowrie Castle

Our Operations Director, Keith Taylor, said: “David’s creativity and dedication make him a true force in Scottish hospitality. His commitment to crafting outstanding dishes using sustainably sourced and local produce is admirable and his leadership and expertise have elevated our entire kitchen team, inspiring a new level of excellence. This award is very well deserved, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Winning Scottish Chef of the Year is a massive achievement, and we’re so lucky to have David leading the way in our kitchen. If you’ve been a guest at Carlowrie, you’ll know firsthand why he took home the top prize!

We can’t wait to see what’s next for David and the Carlowrie Castle dining experience.

Want to experience David’s award-winning food?

Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or private stay, Carlowrie Castle offers an unforgettable setting, paired with world-class cuisine.

Contact us today to book.