Amelia cooks up a place in the final

DUMFRIES teen Amelia Lockhart will represent the region at the final of the 2026 Springboard FutureChef competition in London next month. The 15-year-old St Joseph’s College pupil beat off tough competition, to impress the judges during a regional heat at City of Glasgow College. Amelia served up a winning main course of pan-roasted venison with a port and redcurrant jus, colcannon and root vegetables, followed by chocolate orange fondant with crème fraiche. She said: “It’s been a really great experience, a lot of fun. This is my second year taking part in the competition and I am really speechless that I will now be going to the national final.” Chef Tony Budde, of Dumfries Galloway College, mentored Amelia through the competition and said: “ ’m quite emotional, there has been a lot of work and teamwork. Amelia is a worthy finalist, she can cook and understands flavours, she is always on time and puts effort into our practice. It has been a fantastic experience.” Now Amelia is preparing to head to London next month to represent Central and South Scotland in the national final on March 23.