Gary Maclean is one of the UK's best-known chefs, broadcasters and food educators. He first came to national prominence after winning BBC's MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016, defeating 47 of the country's leading chefs.
In 2026, Gary returned to the MasterChef kitchen as a guest judge, setting skills tests and helping assess the next generation of culinary talent. His return to one of Britain's most respected food programmes reflects the standing he continues to enjoy within the hospitality industry.
Today, Gary is recognised as one of the leading ambassadors for Scottish food and hospitality. In 2017, he was appointed Scotland’s National Chef by the Scottish Government, a prestigious national role he held for nine years. During his tenure, he became one of the country’s most prominent champions of Scottish food, produce, tourism and culinary excellence, representing Scotland on the world stage at major food festivals, corporate events, Highland Games and international showcases across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
What do you think are the greatest opportunities for the Scottish tourism, retail and hospitality industries in 2027?
I think Scotland has a fantastic opportunity to build on its reputation as a world-class destination. We have some of the finest food and drink in the world, incredible landscapes and, most importantly, fantastic people.
For me, the biggest opportunity is bringing all of that together to give visitors a truly Scottish experience. People want authenticity, great food and a story to take home.
We also need to invest in our young people. Having spent over 25 years in culinary education, I know the talent we have in Scotland. We just need to make sure we're giving them the opportunities and encouragement to build their careers here.
What are you looking most forward to seeing, meeting, or attending at ScotHot?
For me, ScotHot has always been about the people. It's a brilliant opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new suppliers and see what's happening across our industry.
I'm particularly looking forward to the Scottish Culinary Championships. Having spent so much of my career working with young chefs, there's nothing better than watching the next generation showcase their talent. It's also great to see former students out there doing amazing things.
I'm always interested in discovering new Scottish products and meeting the people behind them. You never know what new ideas or partnerships might come from a conversation at ScotHot.
Why do you think events like ScotHot are important to the industry?
Hospitality is a people business, and that's exactly why events like ScotHot are so important. They bring everyone together, from students and young chefs to suppliers, educators and some of the biggest names in the industry.
It's an opportunity to share ideas, celebrate what we're good at and have honest conversations about the challenges we face.
I'm a great believer in giving young people opportunities, and events like this can genuinely change someone's career. A conversation, a competition or meeting the right person can open doors they never thought possible.
Scotland has an incredible hospitality industry, and we should never miss an opportunity to celebrate it.
