A Broughty Ferry lifeboat volunteer is set to judge chefs from Angus and Fife on the TV cooking show Great British Menu.
Ben Thomson – who joined the RNLI after his life was saved on the River Tay – has been called up to join the celebrity judging panel on the BBC programme.
This year’s show has the theme ‘Great Britons’ – celebrating those who have shown extraordinary bravery, heroism and service in their communities.
Ben – an RNLI volunteer for 12 years – will join Tom Kerridge, Ed Gamble and Lorna McNee to find the winner of the Scottish heat next Thursday (February 13).
Broughty Ferry RNLI volunteer’s shock at invite to Great British Menu panel
He said: “I was shocked and surprised to receive the call asking me to judge on such an iconic TV show.
“I enjoy my food, but when it comes to critiquing dishes technically, I wouldn’t know where to start.
“I certainly wouldn’t class myself individually as a ‘Great Briton,’ but collectively it was a privilege to represent my fellow RNLI volunteers whose courage and selflessness help their communities each and every day.”
Mark McCabe, from Tannadice in Angus, and Hannah Rose from St Andrews, will compete on the show.
It will be Mark’s second time appearing on the programme.
Two years ago, he finished second behind Dundee chef Adam Handling in the regional final.
Mark, 37, and Hannah, 24, are two of four chefs representing Scotland in the regional heats, which start on Tuesday on BBC Two and iPlayer.
Angus chef returns to Great British Menu
Mark, head chef of Henrock at Linthwaite House in Cumbria, said: “I’m looking forward to getting into the kitchen and having the chance of going head-to-head with the talented chefs representing Scotland this year.
“This year’s theme promises to be challenging and will definitely make us all think about the structure of our menus, inspired by the many historical figures from Scotland’s rich history.
“One thing is for sure, none of us will be able to take our eye off the ball for one second, especially as it’s Great British Menu’s 20th anniversary year.
“So, fingers crossed, and we’ll see where I end up in this year’s competition.”
‘Incredible milestone in my career’, says Fife chef
Hannah Rose is the head chef onboard 90m superyacht Phoenix 2.
She told The Courier: “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to represent Scotland in the 20th year of Great British Menu.
“I’ve followed the show since my early years, so to be participating in
the show itself and cooking alongside some of the best talent Scotland has to offer, is an incredible milestone for me in my ever-growing career.
“I think I definitely set myself apart by working in the superyacht industry with all the
pressures and last-minute operational changes that come with this, it’s a whole different
ballgame.
“This year’s brief offers such a wide scope to play with – it very exciting.
“To showcase the most honourable figures in Scotland’s history and inspire so many others by their stories being told, I only hope I can showcase the recognition they truly deserve.
“This year’s competition is fierce, especially with returning contestants.
“My goal is to give it everything I can and know that this is just the beginning for me.”
Conversation