Hundreds of people gathered at a Perthshire resort for a “final farewell” to one of Scotland’s greatest chefs.
Perth-born culinary star Andrew Fairlie died in January aged 55 following a long battle with a brain tumour.
On Monday mourners gathered at the Gleneagles Hotel’s Henry Hall for a celebration of his life. Andrew’s restaurant is based at the resort.
Some 600 people are said to have attended to pay tribute to the chef.
Andrew’s dad took to Twitter to thank those who attended the service.
Attended Tribute to our son Andrew, at Gleneagles today. Again overwhelmed by warmth, love & admiration for him expressed by those who attended. To know people felt like that about our son helps enormously. Kay & I are truly grateful & comforted. Thank you
— JimFairlie (@JimFairlie) March 11, 2019
He said: “Attended tribute to our son Andrew, at Gleneagles today. Again overwhelmed by warmth, love and admiration for him expressed by those who attended.
“To know people felt like that about our son helps enormously. Kay and I are truly grateful and comforted. Thank you.”
Sharan Pasricha – chief executive of Gleneagles and hospitality firm Ennismore – said: “Andrew touched the hearts and inspired the minds of people all over the world, and it was a privilege to call him our friend and colleague.
“Organised by the Fairlie family, the memorial service was a true celebration of Andrew’s many professional and personal attributes and achievements, and we felt honoured to have the opportunity to say our final goodbye.”
The Gleneagles Hotel also paid tribute to Andrew on social media, posting: “Andrew, as we say our final farewell today, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
They also cited a quote from the chef from November 2018.
It read: “If success can be measured by the love and kindness you are surrounded by, I feel like the richest man in the world – thank you from the bottom of my heart”.
Andrew’s funeral has already taken place.
Many who attended the Gleneagles service on Monday took to social media to pay tribute to the chef and his legacy.
Hosted by @Gleneagleshotel & #AndrewFairlie restaurant, we gathered to remember our friend Andrew today. “If success can be measured by the love and kindness you are surrounded by, I feel like the richest man in the world – thank you from the bottom of my heart.” – Andrew Fairlie pic.twitter.com/zuNTUdjfLs
— MacLean & Bruce (@MacLeanAndBruce) March 11, 2019
Today the industry are celebrating an inspirational man and legendary chef. Over 600 people are expected to attend Andrew Fairlie’s memorial service – a tribute to what a legend he was. pic.twitter.com/bWeLCQmqJw
— The Staff Canteen (@CanteenTweets) March 11, 2019
So nice to be part of the celebration of Andrew Fairlie’s life in Gleneagles today #andrewfairlie #chef #respect jim.fairlie such lovely words thank you @ Gleneagles https://t.co/BhurhOaXz9
— Paul Heery (@PaulHeery) March 11, 2019
Your son was an inspiration to many for decades, you spoke well today, with passion and love, an admirable memorial, thank you for sharing your stories with us. Xx
— Neil Forbes (@chefneilforbes) March 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/claired_anne/status/1105236766645252097
Andrew’s eponymous restaurant at Gleneagles is the only one in Scotland to have two Michelin stars.
Born in the Letham area of Perth, he was one of Scotland’s best known chefs.
During the
Very privileged to attend a celebration of Andrew Fairlie’s life today at Gleneagles with my wonderful team from Cornhill Macmillan Centre. An honour to have cared for him. #AndrewFairlie pic.twitter.com/qSyYthUyua
— Claire Anne Douglas (@claired_anne) March 11, 2019
Andrew’s eponymous restaurant at Gleneagles is the only one in Scotland to have two Michelin stars.
Born in the Letham area of Perth, he was one of Scotland’s best known chefs.
During the G8 Summit at Gleneagles in 2005, he cooked for the Queen and some 44 world leaders.
He stood aside from his restaurant in November 2018 due to his battle with the tumour having apparently been told earlier in the year that no further treatment was available.
Andrew was diagnosed with the tumour in 2005.
Following his death in January, wife Kate Fairlie and daughters Ilona and Leah said: “We are utterly heartbroken that Andrew has gone but are so thankful we had this extraordinary man in our lives.
“He was a beautifully kind, generous, loving son, father, husband, brother and friend, and enriched the lives of anybody lucky enough to meet him.”
