THISTLES Shopping Centre has announced Scotland’s Chef of the Year Lorna McNee as the latest recruit to its #STIRLINGSHINES marketing campaign which celebrates the achievements of inspirational talent.

One of the most exciting rising stars on the UK’s culinary scene, the 31-year-old will represent the nation on Great British Menu tomorrow night on BBC2 at 7.30pm.

Ahead of making her television debut, she took time out of her busy schedule to step into the fashion flashbulbs for the exclusive shoot.

Lorna, who grew up in Forres, initially studied professional cooking at Moray College. Upon graduating, her lightbulb moment came at the age of 19 following a two-week work placement with Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s in London.

Returning home certain of her vocation, Lorna made the bold step in approaching Andrew Fairlie, the hugely respected chef and Gleneagles restaurateur, for employment. Her ambitious aspirations and steely determination were rewarded with a highly coveted apprenticeship. After a year, and relishing the experience, Lorna progressed to Commis Chef then to Chef de Partie, a position which saw her running her own section within the kitchen.

Now, after a decade-long commitment to hard work and the opportunity of working with and learning from the very best, Lorna holds the position of Sous Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie. This is an achievement even more notable given the restaurant’s status as the only one in Scotland to have held two Michelin stars continuously for over 12 years.

Speaking about her career trajectory, Lorna said: "I couldn’t be more happy. To have been given the opportunity to train in such a globally-respected restaurant in such an iconic location has been a dream come true. My apprenticeship in the beginning marked an instant step change. It involved me learning the basics of British and French cooking, but at a much higher level, a two-Michelin star level.

“There have been difficult times, the pressure can be very high, the attention to detail required is unforgiving and it is a French speaking kitchen. Not everyone has what it takes to deal with the pressure but the energy and creativity within the team makes the job hugely rewarding as does receiving feedback from happy customers.”

Lorna’s creative flourishes and passion for provenance come into force especially when developing her own signature dishes. It is this individuality which saw her win UK Game Chef of the Year in 2016, and more recently Scottish Chef of the Year, a title she holds until 2019. The latter saw Lorna take part in a live cook-off at the SECC in Glasgow, presenting a four-course meal to a panel of industry judges, and beating off stiff competition to win the prestigious top accolade.

Competing at the highest level is something the nation will witness her rising to the challenge of again tomorrow night on BBC2 at 7.30pm as she takes part in Great British Menu. This year the NHS is celebrating 70 years and the series will invite the country’s top talent cook celebratory and heartfelt dishes in tribute to its heroic staff. Viewers will see Lorna competing against rivals who are either all head chefs or restaurant owners and she pulls no punches about the experience.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was asked to take part, another dream come true. It was very challenging and I pushed myself to the absolute limits of my capabilities. When it was over I cried with relief," she said.

Commenting on being perceived as a trailblazer for female chefs she is keen to stress her own career experience has always been one of a level playing field, adding: "In Restaurant Andrew Fairlie everyone is treated equal and judged on merit and talent regardless of gender. It is a non-stop learning environment with exceptional in-house training, and there are no concessions made for anyone, male or female. The standard and expectations are simply too high.

“That said, I would love to see more women operate at senior levels in kitchens across the country. It is a hugely rewarding career for those can make the commitment.”

Lorna’s parents and two older sisters are clearly proud of her achievements although her dad says “she works too much”. The intensity of her job is something Lorna’s partner of nine years, Dawn McIntyre, thankfully understands; she also works at Gleneagles in a client-facing role. The couple are getting married in 2020.

Speaking about Thistles #STIRLINGSHINES, Lorna said: “I was thrilled to be invited to take part in the campaign. This is the first shoot I have done and it was such an enjoyable, new experience. I do love a good bit of retail therapy but rarely have enough time to explore the new season trends or have my makeup done professionally.

"It was a luxury being able to have a leisurely browse and experiment with different looks.

“Although shooting on location was different from being in the kitchen there were actually a few similarities such as the attention to detail in capturing the right shot and ensuring the lighting was perfect.

"It was a very nice surprise when I saw the pictures and the team at Thistles made the whole day memorable.”

Gary Turnbull, centre director of Thistles, commented: “It was a pleasure to welcome Lorna into the centre and for Thistles to be celebrating her award-winning achievements so far.

“Lorna’s passion and dedication are inspiring and she is an outstanding example of achieving a dream through hard work, determination and a genuine love of what you do.

“We would like to thank her for being part of our campaign and wish her every continued success.”

To find out more about #STIRLINGSHINES and share your story about a local hero, visit thistlesstirling.com.