College MasterChef honoured with Mark Twain Award

City of Glasgow College’s Executive Chef, Gary Maclean, has been awarded the Mark Twain Award by the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York.

Created to honour individuals who have had a positive impact on the Scots community around the globe, Gary was presented with the award at the Society’s 265th Annual Banquet held in New York, on Friday 19 November.

He said he was both humbled and honoured to receive such an honour, adding:

“The Society's humanitarian work over the last 265 years to help the people that need it most, both in the US and Scotland, is truly inspiring.

“I am very proud of Scotland’s rich and varied produce, we have some of the finest and freshest ingredients on our own doorstep. In my role at City of Glasgow College, and as Scotland’s National Chef, I am able to highlight this incredible produce not only to the wider community, but also to the next generation of chefs.” 

Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive at City of Glasgow College, said:

“We are delighted for Gary. He is an extremely talented chef, and an excellent ambassador for Scotland. A true advocate for his vocation, he is an inspiration to many young people, demonstrating his love and passion for the culinary industry.

“City of Glasgow College has a well-earned reputation for excellence in hospitality and professional cookery, and Gary is part of a team committed to inspiring passion and training the future workforce for an industry vital to Scotland’s economy.” 

The Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York is the oldest charitable institution in the state of New York and is focused on helping Scots in the New York community. Gary joins fellow Scots, Kirsty Wark, Billy Kay and Lord Thurso, among others, who have received the Mark Twain Award”.