The awards ceremony was held at Glenalmond College (pictured above) on the evening of Friday 20th February 2026. Hosted by Thomas Franks Scotland, the event is the culmination of a rigorous nominations process, the results of which are judged and appraised by a seasoned group of professionals with first-hand experience of the education catering sector.
Supported by a number of specialist suppliers, producers and service providers, the ceremony is a memorable black-tie event that provides an exceptional opportunity to entertain guests, meet new contacts and network with finalists in the heart of the Perthshire countryside.
The Scottish School Food Awards 2025
THE WINNERS
The Community Benefits Award, sponsored by Aramark
WINNER:
– Aberdeen City Council
Highly Commended:
– Hermitage Academy, Helensburgh
Finalist:
– Morrison’s Academy, Crieff
The Hospitality Education Award, sponsored by Independents by Sodexo
WINNER:
– Parkhill Secondary School, Glasgow
Highly Commended:
– Elgin Academy, Morayshire
Finalists:
– Fairview School, Perth
– Aramark at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow
The Healthy Living Award, sponsored by Eat Balanced
WINNER:
Mackie Academy & ESS, Aberdeen
Highly Commended:
– Glasgow City Council
– Williamwood High School, Glasgow
The Sustainable School of the Year Award, sponsored by MGN Fire Protection & Joinery
WINNER:
– Glasgow Gaelic School
Highly Commended:
– Cullivoe Primary School, Shetland Isles
Finalist:
– Aramark at Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow
The Student Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey Scotland
WINNER:
– Aleisha Begg, Mackie Academy, Stonehaven
Highly Commendeds:
– Taylor Guilfoyle, Portobello High School, Edinburgh
– Ben Malcolm, Mackie Academy, Stonehaven
The Wellbeing in Education Award, sponsored by Avendra International
WINNER:
Fairview School, Perth
Highly Commended:
– St Columba’s High School, Kilmacolm
Finalists:
– Ardvreck School, Crieff
– The Royal High School, Edinburgh
The Foodservice Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Unico Ltd
WINNER:
– Thomas Franks Scotland at Dollar Academy Clackmannanshire
Highly Commended:
– Lochcarron Primary School, Wester Ross
Finalists:
– Fairview School, Perth
– Thomas Franks Scotland at Loretto, Edinburgh
The Special Award, sponsored by Charles Stamper Fruit & Veg
WINNER:
– CookFreeze (Glasgow City Council’s Central Production Unit)
Highly Commended:
– Glenalmond College & Thomas Franks Scotland Partnership
– FutureChef (Springboard Scotland)
The Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Soil Association Scotland
WINNER:
– Ford McGill, Lodestone House
Highly Commended:
– Karolina Gondek, Thomas Franks Scotland at Glenalmond College, Perthshire
– Karina Kay, Carrick Knowe Primary School, Edinburgh
The School Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Highland Game
WINNER:
– Vladimirs Kruus, Fettes College, Edinburgh
Highly Commended:
– Toni Talavera, Inspire Catering at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Finalists:
– Artur Pohnke, Thomas Franks Scotland at Dollar Academy, Clackmannanshire
– Bruce Price, Independents by Sodexo at Strathallan School, Perthshire
The Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Thomas Franks Scotland
WINNER:
– Margaret Gilmour