Tracey is named Scotland's top school cook

Tracey Biggs winning the local heats with one of the judges, Councillor Tom Weatherston - she would go on to win the national title in Glasgow

Pupils at Galashiels Academy have been tucking into award winning school dinners since their return to school last week.

For while they were enjoying their summer holidays, their canteen manager Tracey Biggs, from Selkirk, was busy competing to be named school cook of the year

Tracey picked up the national title in Glasgow last Thursday having first won a regional contest held at Earlston High School in March, and competing in a final three cook-off event in Kilmarnock earlier this month.

She had to create a two-course menu which was both nutritious on budget as a cost of £1.60.

“It is a difficult challenge to balance both,” she said, “but I decided to go with a menu I had produced at the academy with help from the food and nutrition coordinator which had proved popular with the pupils.

“I wasn’t sure how it would be received by the judging panel, which included primary pupils, but I was over the moon when it was announced I had won.

“It is great for the school and the council’s catering team.”

Scottish Borders Council’s convener, David Parker, added: “This is a fantastic achievement by Tracey to win this title against tough competition from across Scotland.

“The council has previously had catering staff win School Cook of the Year and this is yet more recognition for meals they produce.”