23-05-2025
Paisley student competes in prestigious cooking competition in Venice
James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition.
It was ready steady cook for one Paisley student after he made the final of a prestigious competition.
James McKay of the West College Scotland Paisley campus travelled to Italy last month to take part in the Unox Cookery Competition at the company's headquarters in Venice.
The event saw college students from across the UK compete in an online cookery quiz over several months via the Unox app.
The top ten students earned a coveted place in the grand final in Venice, where they faced a three-hour challenge to create a two-course meal using the Unox oven.
Each finalist was also tasked with incorporating two mystery ingredients into their meals – lemongrass for the main and cinnamon for the dessert.
James, along with Greenock campus student Pawel Martynk, represented West College Scotland (WCS). It was a close and fierce contest but James was pipped by Pawel to the top spot.
However, the Paisley student maintained that although he never won, getting to meet people within the industry as well as experiencing the city of Venice was wonderful.
He said: 'I really enjoyed going and competing in the Combiguru competition. I managed to meet new people and it helped with my experience in cooking.
'The people that ran the day were so nice and helpful, and I also got a lovely tour around Venice. I would highly recommend anyone to do it.'
As the overall winner, Pawel received a professional set of chef's knives, a place on an exclusive bread and pizza-making course, and a state-of-the-art Unox oven for the Greenock campus—prizes totalling nearly £10,000.
Chris Watson, curriculum quality leader for hospitality at WCS praised both students.
'I was delighted for both students to be representing the college at an international level,' he said. 'It was a great achievement even just making the finals in Venice.
'The competition was fierce, and it was testament to Pawel that he managed to come out on top. This is an annual event and I hope this result will inspire next year's intake to take part and hopefully succeed once again.'
Jim McAllister, head of languages, business and leisure industries at the college, added: 'This is the second year in a row we have won this open competition.
'Another huge effort from the regional hospitality teaching staff, bringing success to WCS in an international arena. Special thanks to Chris for working with and encouraging staff and students to give up their time and energy in these endeavours.'
