Charleston Academy has become the epicentre of culinary celebration following thirteen-year-old Ally Franklin’s remarkable victory in the Inverness Castle Experience’s ‘Highland Hospitality – Tales from Around the Table’ recipe competition.
Ally’s innovative “Haggis Fusion” dish captivated judges with its bold reimagining of traditional Highland flavours, securing him a coveted spot on the upcoming castle restaurant’s menu.
The competition challenged students to craft a dish embodying the spirit of Highland cuisine, with Ally’s creation standing out for its creative blend of local ingredients and modern gastronomic sensibilities.
Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness City and Area, commended the young chef’s exceptional talent, highlighting how such competitions illuminate the remarkable potential of Highland youth.
Michael Golding from High Life Highland emphasised the competition’s broader significance, noting its role in showcasing career opportunities within the hospitality sector for young people across the region.
Ally’s inspiration came directly from family traditions, with his mother’s longstanding approach to combining traditional and vegetarian haggis with Mediterranean influences forming the foundation of his award-winning recipe.
The winning dish represents more than just culinary innovation; it symbolises the dynamic spirit of Highland cuisine—a perfect fusion of traditional roots and contemporary creativity.
Lizzie Rudge, Faculty Head of Technologies at Charleston Academy, expressed immense pride in Ally’s achievement, with the school potentially integrating his winning creation into their newly established student-run café.
The Inverness Castle Experience project, set to open in mid-2025 with a substantial £30m investment, promises to be a landmark development that celebrates Highland culture, creativity, and culinary excellence.
This triumph not only highlights Ally’s remarkable talent but also underscores the Highland region’s commitment to nurturing young creativity and supporting emerging culinary voices.
