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A celebrated Scottish chef was the first to win the Legacy Scholarship and spend time at London’s The Ritz
Fraser Cameron, head chef at the Michelin-listed 1610 at The Globe Inn in Dumfries, secured the chance of a lifetime with a five-day stage at London’s Ritz Hotel under the mentorship of executive chef John Williams MBE.
He was named the first-ever winner of the Legacy Scholarship at the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2025, held on Thursday 4 September at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Glasgow.
The Legacy Scholarship is a new initiative launched by Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland to support the country’s rising culinary stars.
Created to mark Scotland’s first-ever Michelin Guide Ceremony in February 2025, the award offers an aspiring chef the rare opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a Michelin-starred kitchen before bringing fresh inspiration and skills back home.
Fraser has already established himself as one of Scotland’s most exciting young chefs. He is a 2025 Roux Scholarship finalist and a two-time winner of Scottish Young Chef of the Year and has transformed 1610 into a destination restaurant celebrated for its inventive use of Scotland’s finest produce. Under his leadership, the restaurant was named VisitScotland’s Best Eating Experience and Dumfries & Galloway Restaurant of the Year 2024.
1610 at The Globe Inn head chef Fraser Cameron | Jenny Woolgar Photography At 1610, Mr Cameron is celebrated for his seasonal approach, using the freshest ingredients grown in the restaurant’s own kitchen garden on the nearby Comlongon Estate. Dishes can change with what is ready to be picked each day, with flavour combinations that are often surprising and always memorable.
He said: “Everyone was so happy when The Ritz got their second (Michelin) Star and John Williams is the godfather of cooking. To have the opportunity (to work with him at The Ritz), there were a lot of applicants; everybody almost ripped their hand off.”
The application process involved an interview, in which Mr Cameron said he’d “never been more nervous in his life” but he was successful and delighted to take up the week’s work at the iconic hotel. He said: “When they announced my name (as the winner) there’s no feeling quite like it. I was really proud to take on this opportunity and open this door to progress myself.”
Speaking at the time of the award win announcement Fraser said: "It is an absolute honour to win the inaugural Legacy Scholarship. Opportunities like this are incredibly rare, and to be the first recipient makes it even more special. The chance to learn and grow in a kitchen that is not only a leader in food but in sustainability, creativity and excellence is invaluable. I’m excited to bring back what I learn to my team and share it with the next generation of Scottish chefs."
Jonathan Brett, head of cuisine at 1610, added: "We are incredibly proud of Fraser and this scholarship is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It will not only elevate Fraser’s career but also bring new ideas and inspiration back to our kitchen. We know he will make the most of this extraordinary experience."
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1610 at The Globe Inn, located in Dumfries High Street is open for lunch, dinner and private dining Wednesday - Saturday from 11am-11pm.