Competition Success at SCOTHOT

We are delighted to celebrate the success of our Hospitality and Professional Cookery students at SCOTHOT 2025 – the Scottish Culinary Championships. SCOTHOT is Scotland’s premier food, drink, hospitality, and tourism showcase, attracting top industry professionals and emerging talent. This event features a range of competitions, where students and professionals demonstrate their skills under high-pressure conditions. Competing in multiple categories, our students showcased their talent, bringing home an impressive collection of Silver and Bronze Medals.

In the Cocktail Mixology category, HNC Hospitality students Sophie Tulloch and Phil Milne impressed the judges with their innovative cocktails. Sophie earned a Silver Medal, while Phil secured Bronze, both incorporating premium Scottish spirits—Arbikie Vodka and Crossbill Gin.

Phil reflected on his first competition, saying, “The feeling of stepping in front of the audience was amazing! Winning Bronze has motivated me to aim for Gold next time.” Sophie added, “I loved the process of developing my cocktail and showcasing Scottish produce. It was an intense but exciting experience, and I’d love to compete again!”

Their lecturer, Ava Kaskonas, praised their dedication, stating, “Winning medals at SCOTHOT in their first competition is fantastic! Sophie’s creativity and Phil’s adaptability were outstanding. I know this experience has sparked their passion for competitions and the drinks industry.”

HNC Patisserie student Kayla Monaghan demonstrated exceptional artistry in the Works in Chocolate (Tasted) category, earning a Silver Medal for her handcrafted selection of chocolates. Guided by lecturer Kenneth Hett, her creations stood out for their flavour, presentation, and technique.

Kayla expressed her excitement, saying, “SCOTHOT was my first-ever competition. I’m proud to have competed at this level and thrilled to win Silver.” Kenneth added, “Kayla’s dedication and skills were evident. To achieve Silver in her first competition is remarkable, and I’m incredibly proud of her.”

In the Junior Pasta competition, Level 6 Professional Cookery student Adam Walker delivered a skilled performance under strict time constraints, securing a Bronze Medal. Competing against some of Scotland’s top emerging chefs, he impressed the judges with his technique and execution.

Reflecting on his achievement, Adam said, “It was an honour to win Bronze in my first competition. Representing the College in an area I’m so passionate about was a fantastic experience, and I look forward to competing again.” His lecturer, Darren Seggie, commended his success, saying, “Adam’s precision and creativity shone through. This achievement is just the beginning for him.”

The success of our students at SCOTHOT 2025 highlights the exceptional training, mentorship, and support provided by City of Glasgow College’s hospitality and professional cookery programmes. Their dedication, skill, and passion continue to uphold the College’s reputation as a leader in culinary education.