A PEEBLESSHIRE chef is in the running to be named 'National Chef of the Year'.

Iain Gourlay of the Cringletie House restaurant, north of Peebles, will compete with 11 others in this year's contest.

The announcement was made during an Instagram Live on the Craft Guild of Chefs channel earlier this week by Paul Ainsworth and David Mulcahy.

The final will be aired from a VIP red-carpet premiere at the Everyman Broadgate cinema in London on October 21.

Head chef Iain said: “To be part of a fantastic competition like National Chef of the Year is an honour but to be accepted to the finals is truly a recognition that doesn’t come around that often.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be asked to cook a menu that I hold dear to my heart as it speaks of the experiences good and tough over the last 15-18 months that the industry as a whole has had to endure.

"If I was to win, I feel this would be a true career defining moment that I would walk in the footsteps of so many chefs I have look up to during my years as a chef.

"I will do my very best to win but also would like to wish the other 11 the very best of luck."

The 12 chefs will serve up their original menus from the entry stage which allows them to tell their story of the pandemic through food.

Menus will include a vegetarian starter incorporating ingredients identified as having a positive impact on the environment.

Chair of judges, Paul Ainsworth said: “What a final we’ve got ahead of us with this incredible top 12.

"There have been some truly creative and delicious looking dishes demonstrated in the first two stages of the competition and we can’t wait to taste them in the next round.

"This is the UK’s toughest culinary competition and any chef who puts themself forward in these challenging times deserves the utmost respect and recognition.

"I’m so honoured to support these twelve chefs as the Chair of Judges and can’t wait to find the next winner.

"That chef is certain to go down in history with their winning menu reflecting the toughest times our industry has ever faced."

Before the cook-off, finalists will enjoy a mentor experience at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on September 8 where they will come together with Young National Chef of the Year finalists for a full day of culinary inspiration.