Andrew Fairlie has tragically died age 55 after being diagnosed with cancer, his father Jim Fairlie confirmed today. Writing 14 years after the chef was first told he had a brain tumour, his dad tweeted this morning: “It is with enormous sadness and grief that Kay and I announce the death of our beloved son Andrew. “His wife Kate and his family have kept vigil with him for some weeks. He slipped away quietly this morning but his many achievements & memory will live on.” It comes just months after the television star bid farewell to his beloved restaurant, Gleneagles Hotel and Resort, fearing he was a “liability”.
Andrew spoke out about his health in November, as his brain tumour entered the terminal phase.
In a candid interview with The Times, he commented: “Giving up my restaurant kitchen was the hardest part of all.
“I gathered the staff and told them I was stepping down. The fact that I’ll never be back, never have that buzz and atmosphere of the kitchen again, was very emotional.”
Andrew went on: “But it’s dangerous for me to be there. I’d just be a liability if I kept hanging around.”
According to the publication, it came after he was discharged from Glasgow’s Beatson Cancer Centre in June.
Doctors are believed to have prescribed steroids to help reduce the swelling around the tumour.
Andrew had previosuly undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery, but was told in the summer no further treatment was available.
He won the first Roux Scholarship in 1984 and was crowned chef of the year at the 2018 Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards.
Stephen McLaughlin, current head chef of the restaurant, and general manager Dale Dewsbury said: “We are heartbroken that Andrew has gone and our thoughts go out to Andrew’s wife, Kate, and his family.
“Our sadness is matched only by our tremendous pride in all his achievements and our thankfulness that we had the opportunity to share in his life and career.
“We have lost our colleague, mentor and friend who was always on hand with great judgment, humour and inspiration.
“We will miss him terribly but will take strength and huge pride in continuing to burn the flame of outstanding cuisine, service and culture that he established.”
A private funeral will take place and later this year a memorial service will be held at Gleneagles.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to Andrew on Twitter this morning: “I’m so sorry to hear that Andrew Fairlie has died.
“My deepest condolences to his family. Andrew is gone far too soon, but his achievements will always be remembered and his legacy will inspire the next generation of world class chefs. It was a privilege to know him.”