Meet Kaitlyn McGibbon and Ben Smith

Kaitlyn McGibbon is a rising star in the pastry world, crafting exceptional desserts at Hazel in the AC Marriott Glasgow. Known for her creativity, precision, and attention to detail, she’s already making waves in Scotland’s culinary scene with her innovative and bold approach to pastry artistry. Ben Smith, on the other hand, is a sustainability driven chef at the iconic Cameron 

House Hotel on Loch Lomond. Passionate about eco-friendly cooking and locally sourced ingredients, Ben is committed to shaping a brighter, greener future for the food industry. Together, these two ambitious chefs are about to embark on a journey that will challenge and elevate their skills to an entirely new level. 

The Big Adventure 

On Monday, September 6, 2025, Kaitlyn and Ben will pack their knives, their passion, and their dreams, and head to Colorado, for an extraordinary

 week of cooking, learning, and exploration. They’ll be training at the world-renowned Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, one of the top culinary schools globally, known for producing some of the finest chefs in the world. The program, organized by Escoffier Global Solutions, Escoffier’s professional training arm for chef education, promises to offer a transformative experience that will shape their careers forever and HIT Scotland, an industry led charity for the Scottish hospitality industry providing scholarship programs to young industry professionals.  

What’s On The Menu For Kaitlyn and Ben? 

This once in a lifetime program will go far beyond the day to day tasks of working in the kitchen. Kaitlyn and Ben will be immersed in an intensive curriculum designed to push their limits and unlock their full potential. They will: 

• Train alongside world class chefs, learning advanced culinary techniques such as pastry artistry, innovative plating methods, and precision cooking methods for meats, seafood, and cold dishes. 

• Hone their leadership skills, learning how to effectively manage a kitchen, inspire a team, and foster a collaborative environment. 

• Explore Colorado’s vibrant culinary scene, from farm-to-table dining experiences to visits with local farmers, food producers, and restaurants, deepening their understanding of ingredient sourcing and sustainable practices. 

• Gain invaluable business acumen, including skills in menu planning, pricing strategies, and kitchen management, setting them up for success not only as chefs but also as future leaders in the hospitality industry. 

Each day will start with rich, hands on lessons in the kitchen, followed by immersive opportunities to connect with the local food ecosystem. Picture Kaitlyn and Ben perfecting their Crêpes Suzette technique against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains or sourcing farm fresh ingredients from Colorado’s lush agricultural landscape. It’s not just about cooking it’s about experiencing food and its journey from farm to plate. 

Why This Matters 

This incredible opportunity, made possible through the collaboration of HIT Scotland and Escoffier Global Solutions, is much more than a professional milestone for Kaitlyn and Ben it’s about investing in the future of the culinary and hospitality industries. By nurturing the next generation of talented chefs, organizations like HIT Scotland and Gecko Hospitality are helping to build a more innovative, sustainable, and skilled workforce. Kaitlyn and Ben will return to Scotland as Escoffier Ambassadors, equipped with sharpened technical skills, a new level of confidence, and an expanded global network that will enable them to inspire and lead in their field. Their experience will not only impact their personal growth but also contribute to advancing Scotland’s culinary reputation on the global stage. 

Cheer Them On! 

Kaitlyn and Ben’s journey is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and the right support. Let’s rally behind these two rising stars as they embark on this life changing adventure. Their success doesn’t just belong to them it’s a win for Scotland’s vibrant culinary scene. 

Bon voyage, Kaitlyn and Ben! Go make Scotland proud; you got this!