Stars retained by top eatery

A top Strath restaurant has retained its status as one of the most highly-regarded in Scotland.

Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel recently retained its two prestigious Michelin stars.

The renowned establishment – named after the late Perthshire chef – is the only restaurant in the country to currently hold two of the sought-after industry accolades.

Perthshire South and Kinross-shire MSP Roseanna Cunningham praised staff based at the renowned Strath resort.

The Crieff-based politician said:“I really want to congratulate Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles Hotel for having retained its position as a two Michelinstarred restaurant, the only two-star restaurant in Scotland.

“Going out to a Michelinstarred restaurant may seem a long way from lockdowns and hard times, but this is an incredibly tough time for the restaurant business – as it is in so many other sectors – so it is good to be able to celebrate good news and success.

“It is now two years since Andrew Fairlie died, far too young, and it is great to see his legacy sustained by the restaurant that still bears his name.

“Restaurant Andrew Fairlie can also claim some credit for Cail Bruich winning Glasgow’s first Michelin star in 18 years, achieved under the leadership of Lorna McNee – who joined the Glasgow restaurant in the summer having previously been sous-chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, where she began her career as an apprentice.”

Ms Cunningham went on to salute the region’s reputation as being synonymous without high-quality food and drink.

Her comments came in the wake of Dunning-based firm Simon Howie sending a haggis soaring over 20 miles above the Earth on Wednesday last week in tribute to Robert Burns using a weather balloon provided by Scottish firm Stratonauts – featured elsewhere in today’s Herald.

Ms Cunningham said: “Whether it is prize-winning pies from Murrray’s, space age haggis from Howie’s or the continued success of Restaurant Andrew Fairlie as the pinnacle of fine dining in this country, there is no doubting Perthshire’s well-deserved reputation as home to the very best of Scottish food and drink.”