Mastechef winner judges Scottish Primary Schools food challenge
14 June 2018
On Tuesday (12 June) teams of pupils from primary schools across Scotland took part in a cook- off judged by a team of 'dragons' - including MasterChef: The Professionals winner Gary MacLean.
The Braw Lunch-Brake Challenge challenged Scottish primary 5, 6 and 7 pupils to create an innovative new dish – which includes local Scottish produce - for their school dinner. This year there were 57 entries to the competition and judges found it difficult to pick just five finalists!
The final event was held at the City of Glasgow College and is based on a similar format to TV programme Dragons' Den. The teams pitched their product ideas including marketing plans to the judges before taking part in a final cook-off.
This annual competition is organised by Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland, Education Scotland, ASSIST FM, Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and sponsored by Brakes Scotland. It tests the pupils' creative and entrepreneurial skills and also helps to highlight the skills needed to get food from farm to fork and the range of jobs and careers offered in the food and drink industry.
Lewis Crichton and Lukasz Lejkowski from St Ninian's Primary in Livingston won the competition with their Hamelujah and Eggtastic Pie. Lewis and Lukasz's class will be treated to a visit to the Royal Highland Show.
Chris Boyle, Channel Head - Public Sector, Brakes Scotland, said:
“Once again we were delighted to run the Braw Lunch Brake Challenge. This event just goes from strength to strength each year - we couldn't do this without our partners at FDF Scotland, RHET, ASSIST and Education Scotland. But pivotal to this competition is the pupil's participation and that was phenomenal this year. Well done to all our exceptional entrants and finalists and a big shout out to Lukasz & Lewis from St Ninian's who were our competition winners!
Moira Stalker, Skills Manager, FDF Scotland, said:
“I was very impressed by the quality of the entries this year. The amount of work and research that the pupils put in was outstanding. It was difficult to narrow these down to five finalists and even more difficult to pick the final winner! This challenge showcased the variety of exciting careers and processes that are involved in creating one product and getting it to market.”
Keith Breasley, National Chair, ASSIST FM, said:
“A great day which showcased what great results can be achieved when dedicated teachers and enthusiastic pupils get together to enjoy food. From source to plate - the knowledge was impressive and supports the fact that food in schools in Scotland is something of which we can be proud.”
Gayle Gorman, Chief Executive, Education Scotland, said:
“I am delighted to see so many primary pupils getting involved in this fun and engaging learning opportunity. Education Scotland is delighted to support this fantastic competition that allows pupils to develop skills for life while learning about the importance of food education. In addition, it enhances collaborative working between the catering industry and education. Congratulations to the winners and all those involved.”
Katrina Barclay, RHET Manager said:
“This year school pupils entering the competition were asked to consider the sourcing of ingredients and encouraged to take part in a RHET farm visit which brings the food journey full circle. The level of research at grass roots has been exceptional and credit is due to those who made it to the final round. We look forward to welcoming the winners to the Royal Highland Show later this month.”
The finalists included:
- Carradale Primary (Argyll and Bute) - Skewered lamb and vegetables on cous cous
- St Ninian's RC Primary (West Lothian)- Hamelujah and Eggtastic Pie
- Whitdale Primary (West Lothian) - Chikken Tikka and Wedges
- Tynewater Primary (Midlothian) - Super Sausage Stew
- Allan's Primary (Stirling) - Terrific Tacos
Note to Editors:
- The whole food and drink industry from agriculture, fishing, aquaculture through to manufacturing makes a significant contribution to the economy, with an annual turnover of over £14bn and employing around 114,000 people.
- FDF Scotland
is the voice of the Scottish food and drink manufacturing industry – Scotland's largest manufacturing sector. - FDF Scotland's schools work - A Future in Food, funded by the Scottish Government through Scotland Food & Drink, helps teachers, pupils and parents better understand the food and drink industry in Scotland, highlights the wide variety of careers on offer, helps pupils understand the skills required by employers and how the subjects they study in school relate to the real world of work.
- The judges of the final challenge on 12 June 2018 at City of Glasgow College were: Gary MacLean; Moira Stalker – Skills Manager at FDF Scotland; Lorna Aitken - Development Officer at Education Scotland; Keith Breasley – National Chair of ASSIST FM; and Derek Lockett - Development Chef at Brakes Scotland.
Contact Kirsty Ritchie, Food and Drink Federation Scotland, at: kirsty.ritchie@fdfscotland.org.uk, or 0131 222 8040.
