Gleneagles chef Andrew Fairlie dies
Tributes have been paid to Scottish chef Andrew Fairlie, who died aged 55 after suffering with a terminal brain tumour.
Fairlie was first diagnosed with the tumour in 2005 and stepped down from the restaurant in November after doctors told him there was no further treatment available.
The chef’s Gleaneagles restaurant opened in 2001 and is the only restaurant in Scotland to be awarded with two Michelin stars. It was awarded with the accolade within 10 months of its opening.
Andrew’s wife, Kate Fairlie, and his daughters, Ilona and Leah, on behalf of the family said: “We are utterly heartbroken that Andrew has gone, but are so thankful we had this extraordinary man in our lives. He was a beautifully kind, generous loving son, father, husband, brother and friend, and enriched the lives of anybody lucky enough to meet him. He has taught us so many lessons in life, not least to be kind. He worked incredibly hard and his favourite thing to do was to create magic for us in the kitchen at home. We will miss his calm, wonderful spirit, his cheeky sense of humour and his loving nature.”
Speaking from Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Stephen McLaughlin (head chef) and Dale Dewsbury (general manager) added: “We are heartbroken that Andrew has gone, and our thoughts go out to Andrew’s wife, Kate, and his family. Our sadness is matched only by our tremendous pride in all his achievements, and our thankfulness that we had the opportunity to share in his life and career. We have lost our colleague, mentor and friend who was always on hand with great judgement, humour and inspiration. We will miss him terribly, but will take strength and huge pride in continuing to burn the flame of outstanding cuisine, service and culture that he established.”
A private funeral is set to take place, and later in the spring, a memorial service will be held at Gleneagles. The hotel said details would be released in due course.