Award winners are outstanding

Debbie Laurie from Corporate Catering picked up the Culinary Skills Award for her exceptional Petit Fours. The beautifully created and tasty small treats consisted of a variety of truffles and fudge, and were judged to be the very best in Scotland.

Shortlees Primary School Catering team picked up the award for Outstanding Contribution to Catering. The team provide breakfast for 100 pupils in addition to morning break and lunch; they provide catering for the early childhood centre and food for a separate local primary school. They also run a dignified food programme ensuring that any leftover food at the end of the day is distributed to those who need it most, effectively cutting food waste.

They work closely with the teaching staff and run fun themed food events connected to the curriculum, including Roald Dahl and Dr Seuss themed food based events, ensuring that the kitchen is at the heart of the school.

The third winner was Janette White from Loudoun Academy who won the Outstanding Contribution to Cleaning award. Janette was recognised for her cleaning work but also for her commitment to training others across East Ayrshire, being an exceptional team player and working closely with the local community.

And that wasn’t all. East Ayrshire also had four finalists who impressed in their own categories. Eleanor Geddes from Stewarton Academy was a finalist in the School Cook of the Year category; Donna Delooze from Loudoun Academy was a finalist in the Cake Decorating category; Nether Robertland Primary Catering team were finalists in the Outstanding Contribution to Catering category, while the Facilities Management Employee Support team were finalists in the Outstanding Service Innovation category.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: “The Catering Services and Facilities Management teams are exceptional and now they have the awards to prove it. Catering Services are committed to providing our young people with the best, locally sourced food possible and play a huge part in school life. The Corporate Catering team can also provide external catering for functions including weddings and celebration events.

“I would also like to congratulate Janette White from Loudoun Academy who lifted the award for her services to cleaning. She is an exceptional cleaner and trainer who ensures that others across East Ayrshire benefit from her skills.”