Masterchef winner helps launch scheme as housebuilder backs RNLI

Multi-award-winning chef Gary Maclean took over the kitchen in one of Robertson Homes’ two new showhomes at the Newton Manor development in the town.

Celebrating Dunbar’s coastal location, Gary prepared an all-Scottish menu including gin-cured sea trout, pan-seared scallops and cullen skink to wow local visitors with a cookery demonstration, which also included whisky and haggis bon bons and fillet of beef.

Gary Maclean gives a cookery masterclass at the Newton Manor development in Dunbar. Picture: Rob McDougall

Gary, who beat off competition from 47 other professional chefs to win the popular BBC series Masterchef: The Professionals in 2016, said: “Dunbar is such a beautiful town and it was a pleasure cooking a menu which reflected the town’s reputation for sensational seafood.

“It was also lovely to be the first person to cook in the fabulous Robertson Homes kitchen in the Jacobson show home.

“Whether you are a serious cook or someone who simply likes to have fun making food, this kitchen has been expertly designed and is a real focal point of the property.”

Robertson Homes also used the launch to unveil a fundraising campaign for Dunbar RNLI and invited coxswain Gary Fairbairn to join the event, which featured music from local singer Jamie Chapman.

Miniature lifeboats have been hidden around the property and Robertson Homes will make a donation to the lifeboat station for every visitor who finds all the toy boats before October 26.

Gary Fairbairn, of Dunbar RNLI, launches Robertson Homes' lifeboat competition

A winner will also be chosen at random for a guided tour of Dunbar Lifeboat Station.

Gary Fairbairn said: “It is great that Robertson Homes has chosen to support the local lifeboat station and the children will enjoy hunting for the boats as their parents explore the new homes.

“We rely on donations from the local community so we are delighted Robertson Homes has created such an enjoyable way to raise funds for the RNLI.”