A TEENAGE chef from Arran has been crowned the winner of an inspirational young person award for his work on the island.

Timur Jay Ünal, the 19-year-old head chef at Brodick Bar, fended off competition from other youngsters to win NFU Mutual’s Inspirational Young Person Award.

When he was 16, Timur went to work in the family business as a waiter for the summer. He showed amazing rapport with the diners and had an instinctive skill for waiting.

He stayed and very quickly became head waiter, organising and training front of house staff, hosting and welcoming diners to the 100 covers restaurant.

After heading to Glasgow to train as a chef, Timur became head chef aged just 18, on the recommendation of the active head chef. He now heads up the kitchen team of five chefs and several kitchen porters, with his responsibilities including menus, costing, teaching how to prepare, cook and plate the dishes as well as running the pass and cooking.

Timur said: “It was a lovely award to win.

“Hospitality during coronavirus has been almost impossible, but we have always strived to keep our high standards and aiming for rosettes and winning this award was fantastic not only for me but my family and the business.”

Also recognised was Wallace Currie, the 24-year-old owner of Rural2Kitchen, on Arran who was highly commended by the judges.

Mark McBrearty, NFU Mutual Regional Manager: “Selecting a winner and two runners up from a record-breaking number of entries this year was too difficult, which is why we decided on an additional three awards.

“I am delighted to be congratulating all six, who have not only done themselves proud, but they are also wonderful ambassadors for our world-famous food and drink industry.”