Cumbernauld College students cook up a winner

Lauren Morton (22) was given the opportunity to improve her craft after she won a trip to study haute cuisine in Switzerland whilst Taylor Ure (17) came out on top during the local heat of the Rotary Club Young Chef of the Year competition.

Lauren, who is on the college’s City and Guilds Diploma course, was one of only 10 Scottish students selected by the Hospitality Industry Trust to visit the renowned Lausanne Hotel School on a four day scholarship.

Lauren said: “I love travelling to new countries and eating so this scholarship was ideal.

She added: “It was a trip of a life-time and a great experience for my future career within the hospitality industry.”

Abronhill teenager Taylor wowed rotary judges on the panel with her coq au vin and white chocolatecrème brûlée, which has taken her to the regional final being held in Edinburgh in February.

She said: “I was really surprised, but delighted to win the regional heat. I’m looking forward to the Scottish final, although the competition will be tough as I’ll be competing against working chefs as well as students.”

“I’ve not decided on my menu yet, but it will no doubt include pineapple as I love to make dishes with it.”