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Family pays tribute as renowned Gleneagles chef Andrew Fairlie dies after a long illness

Andrew Fairlie died after a long illness - PA
Andrew Fairlie died after a long illness - PA

The family of Andrew Fairlie have paid tribute to the “kind, generous and loving” Michelin-starred chef, who has died following a long illness.

He stepped down from his eponymous restaurant at Gleneagles Hotel in November after announcing that his brain tumour was terminal.

The renowned chef, who was 55, kept on working after his condition was diagnosed in 2005 and underwent three years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

He had also undergone surgery but was told last summer that no further treatment was available.

His Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, which was set up at the five star Perthshire hotel in 2001, is the only one in Scotland with two Michelin stars.

His wife, Kate, whom he married last year after giving up the restaurant, and his daughters, Ilona and Leah, issued a statement on behalf of the family.

They 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. He has taught us so many lessons in life, not least to be kind.

"He worked incredibly hard and his favourite thing to do was to create magic for us in the kitchen at home.

"We will miss his calm, wonderful spirit, his cheeky sense of humour and his loving nature."

andrew fairlie - Credit: David Loftus
Andrew Fairlie's restaurant at Gleneagles Hotel is the only one in Scotland with two Michelin stars Credit: David Loftus

His father Jim revealed the news on Twitter, saying: "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."

Nicola Sturgeon said it was a privilege to know the chef, adding: "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."

Fairlie won the first Roux Scholarship in 1984 and was named chef of the year at the 2018 Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards.

Mr Fairlie said after giving up the restaurant that knowing that he would “never have that buzz and atmosphere of the kitchen again” was very emotional. It was taken over by the head chef Stephen McLaughlin.

Mr McLaughlin, current head chef of the restaurant, and general manager Dale Dewsbury said: "We are heartbroken that Andrew has gone and our thoughts go out to Andrew's wife, Kate, and his family.

"Our sadness is matched only by our tremendous pride in all his achievements and our thankfulness that we had the opportunity to share in his life and career.

"We have lost our colleague, mentor and friend who was always on hand with great judgment, humour and inspiration.

"We will miss him terribly but will take strength and huge pride in continuing to burn the flame of outstanding cuisine, service and culture that he established."

A memorial service is to be held later this year at Gleneagles Hotel.