masterchef the professionals behind the scenes

In 2017 David became President of The Federation of Chefs Scotland and will be instrumental in the growth of the organisation over the next few years. In October 2013 David, in partnership with his Brother-in-law, Nigel, and their wives, purchased Kildrummy Inn, in Aberdeenshire, where he and the team are achieving a ever-growing reputation for fantastic food using the very best of Scottish produce. David, a Masterchef of Great Britain, has appeared in numerous television and radio broadcasts in the UK. In the same year, his brigade at Raemoir House Hotel were awarded Scottish Chef Team of the Year and The Dining Room at the restaurant was runner-up in Scottish Rural Restaurant of the Year. In 2013 David, on his third time as a finalist, won the award for Best Intermediate Dish in the Scottish Chef of the Year competition and was crowned the overall winner with a gold medal.

To add to his achievements the restaurant at Raemoir House gained its second AA Rosette in 2011 and won Scottish Country House Hotel of the Year in 2011, again in 2012. In September 2010, Neil Rae purchased Raemoir House Hotel and David was the Executive Chef of both restaurants. In 20 David was a finalist in Scottish Chef of the Year, winning the award for best main course in 2009. In 2007 he competed in, and won Grampian Chef of the year, he also won Grampian restaurant of the year 2007. In 2006 a chance meeting with Neil Rae, owner of the Milton Restaurant at Crathes, resulted in a job offer as head chef. In 2004 he moved back to Aberdeen and took a job at Cafe 52 as sous chef, and then being promoted to head chef. In October 2002 he moved to Ballathie House, Perthshire with Kevin MacGillivray, working mainly in the pastry corner. In 2002 David competed in and won Grampian Young Chef of the Year, and began training with the junior culinary team under the management of Scott Lyall and Robert Bruce. In 2001, after working in various restaurants, David went to work for Brian Mutch at the Miami Beach Restaurant in Aberdeen, where he began his apprenticeship.

Masterchef the professionals behind the scenes