A young aspiring chef has been crowned School’s Masterchef Champion after cooking up a storm in an Inverness cooking competition.
Lauren Bell from Dingwall Academy walked away with first place in the Inverness and Culloden Schools Masterchef competition after seeing off the competition in the grand final.
The young student won her school’s qualifying round before going on to secure her place in the final after going up against five others in the semi-final.
Taking place at Inverness College UHI, finalists were watched by around 60 friends and relatives as they battled it out for the top prize.
Food writer and founder of Kinloch Lodge on the Isle of Skye Lady Claire Macdonald and head chef at Kinloch Lodge Marcello Tully judged the final cook-off before presenting this year’s trophies.
Managing director of Williamson Foodservice 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.”
Fellow finalists included Charlotte Burton of Inverness Royal Academy; Emma Warner of Inverness High School; and Alix Callaghan of Fortrose Academy.
