Renowned Perth chef Andrew Fairlie has died after a long-term battle with a brain tumour, his family has announced.
One of Scotland’s top chefs, Mr Fairlie, who was 55, was diagnosed with the tumour in 2005.
His father Jim said his son had “slipped away quietly” on Tuesday morning.
His eponymous restaurant at the Gleneagles Hotel is the only one in Scotland to have two Michelin stars.
His wife Kate Fairlie and his daughters, Ilona and Leah, on behalf of the family, said: “We are utterly heartbroken that Andrew has gone but are so thankful we had this extraordinary man in our lives.
“He was a beautifully kind, generous, loving son, father, husband, brother and friend, and enriched the lives of anybody lucky enough to meet him.”
His father Jim added: “It is with enormous sadness and grief that Kay and I announce the death of our beloved son Andrew.
“His wife Kate and his family have kept vigil with him for some weeks. He slipped away quietly this morning but his many achievements and memory will live on”.
It is with enormous sadness and grief that Kay and I announce the death of our beloved son Andrew. His wife Kate and his family have kept vigil with him for some weeks. He slipped away quietly this morning but his many achievements & memory will live on
— JimFairlie (@JimFairlie) January 22, 2019
Mr Fairlie was born in the Letham area of Perth and was one of Scotland’s best known chefs.
During the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005, he cooked for the Queen and some 44 world leaders.
He stood aside from his restaurant in November 2018 due to his battle with the tumour having apparently been told earlier in the year that no further treatment was available.
Tributes have been flooding in for the chef online.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “I’m so sorry to hear that Andrew Fairlie has died.
“My deepest condolences to his family. Andrew is gone far too soon, but his achievements will always be remembered and his legacy will inspire the next generation of world class chefs. It was a privilege to know him.”
A tribute posted by the official Gleneagles Hotel Twitter account read: “We are deeply saddened to learn our friend and colleague Andrew Fairlie passed away this morning (22/01/2019).
“Andrew was a treasured part of our Gleneagles family, and he will be missed terribly.”
BBC News presenter Eamonn O’Neill said: “Goodbye to a dear friend x.”
So sad to hear of the death of Andrew Fairlie. He grew up in Letham as a near neighbour. We often met up in Glasgow to reminisce and to imagine a better Scotland. Rest in Peace Andrew.
— Stuart Cosgrove (@Detroit67Book) January 22, 2019
We are deeply saddened to learn our friend and colleague Andrew Fairlie passed away this morning (22/01/2019). Andrew was a treasured part of our Gleneagles family, and he will be missed terribly pic.twitter.com/TrJvpo7wXC
— Gleneagles (@Gleneagleshotel) January 22, 2019
Sorry to hear Andrew Fairlie has passed away.. Beautiful restaurant at Gleneagles, brilliant Chef and true gentleman, thoughts are with the family and close friends of Andrew. ??
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) January 22, 2019
We are saddened to hear of the death of Andrew Fairlie, Scotland’s only 2 star Michelin chef and passionate Celtic man. The thoughts & prayers of everyone at the club go out to his parents, his wife and all his family and friends at this sad time.
RIP, Andrew. ? https://t.co/HSnVA0SFpt
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 22, 2019
Very sorry to hear of the untimely death of Andrew Fairlie. A great talent & passion lost to Perthshire & Scotland. I once debated Scottish independence with him, we disagreed, courteously, & we parted on good terms
— Murdo Fraser (@murdo_fraser) January 22, 2019
Saddened to hear the news this morning of the passing of one of the greatest and most inspiring chefs to hail from Scotland RIP Andrew Fairlie pic.twitter.com/HV8vXEwknU
— L O U I S E R U S K (@louise_rusk) January 22, 2019
Very sad news about Andrew Fairlie. Such a gentle and inspiring man. This was a very special day for me. RIP Andrew#WorldClass pic.twitter.com/Om5o0qkWp4
— Iain A Stirling (@iainastirling) January 22, 2019
So so sad to hear about the passing of Andrew Fairlie. I will remember his talent, his leadership, his friendship and this special day in the hills of his beloved Scotland. Gone too soon. pic.twitter.com/tD1I7sVws1
— Stephen Jardine (@StephenJardine) January 22, 2019
I’m so sad to hear that Andrew Fairlie has passed away. Andrew was one of the best chefs of our time, incredibly funny and just a great guy. God bless Andrew…you will be sadly missed ???????? pic.twitter.com/hIrPuJ1NPn
— Lady (Michelle) Mone (@MichelleMone) January 22, 2019
