It has taken a while to find the right words to share the sad news that our dear friend and colleague Chef Mark Heirs, tragically passed away at the start of the year at the young age of 39. His sudden loss shook our small, close-knit team which Mark had been an integral part of for over 4 years.

Mark was an exceptional chef whose culinary talents delighted our guests. His calm demeanor under pressure was like no other. He gracefully handled delayed dinner timings, last minute requests or unique dietary restrictions. Perhaps his composed nature stemmed from his experience working with renowned chefs, including Gordon Ramsay, where he learned that excellence in the kitchen could be achieved with kindness and composure.

Mark started his culinary journey in his parents pubs and restaurants. He honed his skills at catering college in Glasgow and further developed his expertise at esteemed establishments like Glasgow’s One Devonshire Gardens and Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck. Mark gained national recognition by appearing in the inaugural series of MasterChef: The Professionals, showcasing his talent to a broader audience. This started a wave of other tv and radio appearances over the years, but we were fortunate he always made time for our guests at Candacraig. Beyond his culinary achievements, Mark was a dedicated mentor to aspiring chefs in Scotland and was actively involved with the charity Springboard, supporting the next generation in the hospitality industry.

Mark's great sense of humor and cheeky smile brought a light air to the kitchen and his willingness to participate in lighthearted moments, like guest appearances in Simeon the butler's videos, will be fondly remembered.

Life at Candacraig continues, but the memory of our dear friend Mark remains ever-present in our hearts.