Port pupil has recipe for success

Port Glasgow High pupil Ryan Collins is hungry for more success at the Rotary International regional finals in Dundee next month after scooping the local and district prizes.

The 16-year-old’s most recent award-winning menu featured a starter of deconstructed goat’s cheese tart with beetroot, pomegranate seeds and walnuts followed by a main of sea bass, nutmeg and chive mash with kale, bacon shallots and pine nuts and served with vine tomatoes and asparagus tips.

Fifth year pupil Ryan finished with a cherry and chocolate fondant dessert alongside a white vanilla mousse and chocolate soil.

That earned him first place at the district finals, following his triumph at the Inverclyde event, organised by Gourock Rotary Club, back in November.

The youngster, who lives with his family in Gibshill, now hopes to turn up the heat on his competitors in Dundee next month.

Ryan told the Tele: “I’m over the moon to get through.

“Even getting through the first round I was quite taken aback because all the dishes at both competitions looked superb and the quality was of a very high standard.

“I’m enjoying the experience.”

The young kitchen whizz also recently took part in the Future Chef competition at the City of Glasgow College.

Port High head teacher Stuart Clark said: “Ryan’s gone from strength to strength from one competition to another.

“It says a huge amount about how hard the staff work, particular principal teacher of home economics Anne Cameron, who spends a lot of time with him in and out of school.

“It’s been fantastic for him and even led to some work experience cooking for Gourock Rotary.

“We wish Ryan all the best with all the activities he’s taking part in.”

Gourock Rotary president John Taylor added: “We’re very pleased for Ryan.

“He came to the club one Thursday night at the Royal Gourock Yacht Club to cook for us and his food was great.

“Kitchen staff at the club were impressed and said he was very self-assured.”