10th September 2026:
Paul Hood, Executive Head Chef at EICC Nourish has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Scotland Food & Drink and HIT Scotland Legacy Scholarship.
As the recipient of the scholarship, Paul has secured a five-day ‘stage’ experience in the kitchen at The Dorchester in London’s Mayfair, working under Culinary Director Martyn Nail.
Now in it's second year, the Legacy Scholarshihp was first launched in 2025 to celebrate the MICHELIN Guide Ceremony for Great Britain & Ireland taking place in Scotland. It was designed to offer emerging culinary talent unparalleled access to world-class kitchens.
After a highly competitive and rigorous judging process, Paul stood out among a strong field of candidates for his passion for the industry and developing people. The judges remarked that Paul has a great regard for Scottish ingredients and local suppliers, and his enthusiasm for continually developing and raising standards was tangible.
With over 25 years’ experience in the Scottish hospitality industry, Paul has built his career on a deep commitment to culinary excellence, team development, and the unique culture that defines Scotland’s food landscape.
Over the course of his career, he has delivered some of Scotland's biggest events in some of its most iconic venues. He joined EICC Nourish, part of Levy, the sports and hospitality sector of Compass Group UK and Ireland, at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) earlier this year. He has already made his mark on the venue, and there are several new initiatives launching later this year under his leadership.
Speaking on his win, Paul said: “I am incredibly honoured to be awarded this year's HIT Legacy Scholarship. This fantastic opportunity will allow me to learn from some of the industry's most respected leaders, broaden my perspective through new experiences, and bring fresh ideas back to Scotland's hospitality sector. As Executive Chef at EICC Nourish, I’m excited to use this experience to further champion culinary excellence, inspire innovation, and support the growth and development of our culinary team, while continuing to embed sustainable practices at the heart of everything we do.”
Trevor Garden, Levy Regional Chef - Scotland & North of England said: “This recognition is true testament to Paul's exceptional talent, leadership, and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence. Through his passion for innovation, sustainability, and showcasing the very best of Scottish produce, Paul continues to elevate the experience for clients and guests at EICC. We’re so proud to have one of our Levy chefs flying the flag on a platform like this. Being recognised from such a competitive field is an amazing achievement and very well deserved. Well done, Paul!”
Fiona Richmond, Head of regional food at Scotland Food & Drink said: "Paul is a perfect example of the high calibre of talented chefs we have working here in Scotland, and his dedication to championing Scottish produce, as well as his commitment to passing along his craft to the next generation, made him a standout candidate for the Legacy Scholarship. I can't wait to see what he learns with Martyn Nail and the team at The Dorchester – and how the experience will shape his career. Congratulations once again."
Amanda Wrathall, Chief Executive Officer of the EICC, said: "This is a fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement for Paul. Since joining EICC Nourish, he has brought a wealth of experience, creativity and leadership to our culinary team, and this award is recognition of both his talent and his commitment to excellence. At the EICC, we believe our greatest strength is our people and the ideas they bring into the business. They are what help us innovate, evolve, and create lasting impact. This opportunity will allow Paul to learn from some of the very best in the industry and bring fresh thinking back to Edinburgh, benefiting our team, our clients, and the experiences we create together.”