Meet Kaitlyn McGibbon and Ben Smith – Culinary Graduates

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, is a sustainability driven chef at the iconic Cameron 

House Hotel on Loch Lomond. Ben is passionate about eco-friendly cooking and locally sourced ingredients. He is committed to shaping a brighter, greener future for the food industry. Together, these two 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. This culinary school is known for producing some of the finest chefs in the world. The program, organized by Escoffier Global Solutions, promises to offer a transformative experience. This 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: 

• Learn advanced culinary techniques such as pastry artistry from world class chefs. They will learn innovative plating methods, and precision cooking methods for meats, seafood, and cold dishes. 

• Hone their leadership skill. Their education focuses on learning how to effectively manage a kitchen, inspire a team, and foster a collaborative environment. 

• Explore Colorado’s vibrant culinary scene. Their experience will explore everything 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. Learn a variety of skills in menu planning, pricing strategies, and kitchen management.  This will set them up for success, and as chefs with a future leaders in the hospitality industry. 

Each day will start with rich, hands on lessons in the kitchen. This is 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 Culinary Training 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, they will lead the industry. Their expanded global network will enable them to inspire and lead in their field. Their experience will impact their personal growth and contribute to advancing Scotland’s culinary reputation on the global stage. 

Cheer Them On! 

Kaitlyn and Ben’s journey is a testament to what you can achieve 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!