A YOUNG chef from Dunfermline is putting the town on the map after competing against the best of the best from across the UK.

At the age of just 20, Jack Coghill was the youngest finalist in a nationwide scholarship competition which culminated at an awards ceremony in London last week.

The chef patron at the family-run Jack 'O' Bryan's had been recognised for his skills in the kitchen and narrowly missed out on winning the 2020 Acorn Scholarship.

He was pipped to the prize by the sous chef at one of world-renowned chef Rick Stein's restaurants, and Jack was proud to have been in contention.

"It was amazing to be recognised and it was quite a big shock," he said. "The event itself was fantastic and my dad was my plus-one. The food was fantastic, too.

"I was up against three of Rick Stein's staff members at his restaurants – along with all the other finalists – so that's an achievement in itself to be considered in their company.

"I was up against the 'big dogs', so to speak, so it was an amazing experience to be a part of.

"It shows that people in the industry have taken notice of our little restaurant in Dunfermline. Going down to London and having that exposure, it puts us on the map."

He will now receive mentoring from Adam Bateman, from IHG Hotels, who was on the competition's judging panel. He will offer Jack support and advice in the year ahead.

Jack had previously earned plaudits in 2018 when he was named as one of the top 30 chefs under-30 in the UK while working at The Black Pig and Oyster restaurant in Edinburgh.

The Coghill family, from Newmills, then moved their fine dining closer to home after long-running problems with the Leith building forced them to shut and relocate.

They opened up in Chalmers Street at the start of this year and rave reviews have been served up from happy customers since.

Jack said: "We've had great support from local people and everyone has been very positive and kind to us since we first opened.

"It's all been going well and we're hoping that will continue."