New state-of-the-art catering facilities at Wallace Hall Academy is being officially opened today and will provide pupils in Mid and Upper Nithsdale with outstanding opportunities to develop professional skills and secure jobs in the hospitality industries.
The first 'Inspiring Spaces' project in Dumfries and Galloway provides a centre of excellence for hospitality and is specifically designed to benefit young people, giving them access to wider learning experiences.
The facility includes a professional standard kitchen and fine dining restaurant, developed and designed in collaboration with local restaurateurs, learners, teachers and Amey Ventures.
Michelin recognised Scottish Chef of the Year 2016, Ian McAndrew, of Blackaddie House Hotel, acted as a consultant from design to completion, to ensure that the facilities were state of the art and fit for purpose to professional standard.
The Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel has sponsored the whites for chefs training in the catering suite.
The restaurant will be called Pegasus, the winged horse which is synonymous with the area, featuring on Thornhill's mercat cross.
Councillor Ted Thompson, Civic Head of Dumfries and Galloway Council, said, 'It is a real pleasure to come here to officially open this marvellous facility. We have here a state of the art professional kitchen and up market restaurant area which gives students throughout Mid and Upper Nithsdale the opportunity to take part in high quality catering and hospitality work.
'In a region such as ours the ability to attract tourism and leisure is extremely important forming a major part of our economic wellbeing and hospitality is key to this. It also emphasises the importance of vocational qualifications and their parity alongside academic awards. Everyone who has been involved in delivering this facility deserves our thanks and congratulations.'
