MasterChef contender returns to college to inspire others

A former student who reached the quarter-finals of MasterChef: The Professionals has returned to Dundee and Angus College in Arbroath to inspire others to follow her lead.

Alexandra Hay had been head chef at one of Scotland’s top country house hotels for only two months when she was chosen from thousands of applicants to compete in BBC hit series last year.

The 27-year-old began her culinary journey seven years ago when she enrolled as a hospitality student at what was Angus College in the Angus town.

Alex returned to her alma mater as part of a week-long programme of events designed to motivate and inspire college students.

She told students this week that using the excellent training and experience she gained at the college set her sights on being the best she could be.

“MasterChef has certainly given me a huge amount of publicity and has helped boost my career,” said Alexandra.

“The most important message I was giving to the students today, however, was don’t give up, believe in yourself and work hard, really, hard and you have a strong chance of changing your career pattern.”