The 15th and final intern to benefit from a scheme aimed at helping young people find work in the Stewartry has started his post.
Finlay McGaw has begun a six month role with Mr Pook’s Kitchen in Castle Douglas – a post backed by the Galloway Glens Landscape partnership.
His position will include lots of training and give him a broad overview of what its like to work in the food sector.
Finlay, from New Galloway, said: “A restaurant like Mr Pook’s isn’t on every corner, so the opportunity to break into a highly competitive and skilled field is a very attractive opportunity.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work at such a high standard developing my culinary skills which will help me move my career forward in the future.”
Ed Pook said: “Its a pleasure to be welcoming local lad Finlay McGaw to the kitchen.
“We hope he gains a wealth of experience, knowledge and some chef scars over the following six months as we look to enjoy a busy summer season.
“Working with predominantly the kitchen team of Alan and Zulle, our sous chef and pastry chef, and also with Luke in the bar and Josie on the floor, Fin should leave with a solid understanding of all the main tasks required to function in a busy fine dining restaurant environment and give him some direction for a future career, either direct in the industry or give him the skills and confidence to direct his energies elsewhere.
“We shall look forward to working with him over the next six months.”
The position is being supported by the Galloway Glens scheme and aims to encourage young people to plan their working future in the region.
The scheme’s education and community engagement officer, Jan Hogarth, said: “I couldn’t be more happy for Finlay to have secured this chance of a lifetime to work in a top-class restaurant with a sustainable approach to the sourcing and production of food.
Ed Pook is inspirational and has so much to give a young person in terms of experience and skills.
“I wish Finlay all the very best for his internship and imagine it will lead onto an exciting career in the culinary arts.”
