A MASTER of cooking who spends his days teaching novices his craft has scooped a tasty award at a prestigious ceremony.

Gary Maclean won Chef Lecturer of the Year at the Craft Guild of Chefs Awards Ceremony in London’s Hilton Park Lane hotel last month.

The Knightswood man has taught at City of Glasgow College for 14 years and was last year the runner-up for the same honour.

The father-of-six accepted the award before 800 industry luminaries and was left “humbled” to win.

“This award is a reflection in not only what I do but what we do as a college and as a team,” said Gary.

“It also reflects the support of my family, who fully back all the extra work that I do with the students.”  During the last five years, Gary has mentored dozens of highly-skilled student chefs who have graduated from City of Glasgow College and made a name for themselves in hospitality.

He has also coached dozens of students to victory in competition, most notably the City of Glasgow College team that represented Scotland and claimed top prize at the Nations Cup in the United States in 2013 and the student collective that won the prestigious Europe-wide competition the Nestle Toque D’Or last year.

Gary, who regularly performs cookery demonstrations on STV Glasgow, has also led teams of student chefs to work at prestigious events, such as the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles and the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

“To be recognised at a national level is a real highlight of my career and to just be in that environment in London with the very best in the industry was a great experience.” Gary was praised by City of Glasgow College as Principal Paul Little said: “Gary and the hugely-talented students in our hospitality department play a huge part in helping City of Glasgow College achieve world-class status, and Gary’s award is testament to the dedication, skill, and creativity he displays in his role at the college.”