Two top chefs in Scotland are celebrating this morning after news they'd received a Michelin star.
The influential guide, which has just released its 2022 version, named Sixteen new restaurants across the UK that have now been given Bib Gourmand status last week.
It has now revealed the 19 restaurants across the country that are now deemed worthy of its top award.
Mark Donald, who runs the Glenturret Lalique in Crieff and Graeme Cheevers at Unalome in Glasgow have both been added to the guide for the first time.
Speaking about the new Scottish additions, the Michelin team said: "Scotland sees the sophisticated Glenturret Lalique, set within Scotland’s oldest working whisky distillery, and Unalome by Graeme Cheevers – with its bold, classically inspired dishes – both newly added to the guide."
They follow the likes of Cail Bruich in Glasgow (who were added last year), Kitchin in Leith and the Cellar in Anstruther as additions to Scotland's growing list of Michelin Star venues.
One of Scotland's most renowned restaurants, Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles has also retained its two-star status.
Last week, two Scottish restaurants, both in Glasgow, were named among the additions to the prestigious Bib Gourmand list, with South East Asian cuisine specialists Ka Pao and Celentano's, which is known for its Italian inspired dishes, making it in for the first time.
Due to the ongoing pandemic and safety considerations for chefs, restaurateurs and the Michelin team, this year’s launch of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland took place in a digital format only, via social media and the official website.
Speaking about the launch, Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides said: “Naturally we were disappointed to be unable to host this event in person.
"However, we wanted to celebrate the achievements of the country’s top chefs, who have fought hard not only to survive, but to excel in these challenging times.
"To award so many new Stars this year, including one new Three Star, is testament to the determination and resilience of those working in the hospitality industry – not just the chefs, but those involved at every level.”
According to the Michelin Guide, the team of inspectors dine out anonymously and pay for their meals, adhering to strict criteria in their marking of each restaurant.
Michael Ellis, international director of Michelin Guides, said the guide is 'not meant to be a phone book or encyclopedia of restaurants, but it is a confluence of opinions and views from seasoned food and beverage professionals'.
Posting on Twitter about their win, Graeme Cheevers and the Unalome team wrote: "Words can’t express the gratitude and pride felt today throughout our entire team."
The Michelin Starred restaurants in Scotland
Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder (Two stars)
Cail Bruich, Glasgow
Condita, Edinburgh
Kitchin, Leith
Loch Bay, Isle of Skye
Martin Wishart, Leith
The Cellar, Anstruther
The Glenturret Lalique, Crieff, Perthshire – Mark Donald (new addition)
Unalome by Graeme Cheevers, Glasgow – Graeme Cheevers (new addition)
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