Tributes have poured in for the “godfather” of the culinary arts in Scotland, the country’s first Michelin star chef, David Wilson.
Messages of respect and acclaim have been flooding in on social media since it was announced that Wilson died in his sleep on Saturday, May 15.
The “trailblazing” chef founded the acclaimed Peat Inn, in Cupar, Fife, in 1972 where he earned the culinary honour of Michelin status.
The current owners of the restaurant tweeted: “We are very sad to share the news legendary chef David Wilson died on Saturday peacefully in his sleep.
“David & Patricia ran the restaurant for 36 years to 2006. Our thoughts are with Patricia and the family. They lunched at The Peat Inn just on Thursday with friends RIP.”
We are very sad to share the news legendary chef David Wilson died on Saturday 22nd May peacefully in his sleep. David & Patricia ran the restaurant for 35 years to 2006. Our thoughts are with Patricia and the family. They lunched at The Peat Inn just on Thursday with friends RIP pic.twitter.com/NtawHFpxjw
— The Peat Inn (@ThePeatInn) May 16, 2021
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Chefs and culinary connoisseurs have hailed Wilson as “the pioneering godfather of modern Scottish cooking”, an “inspiration”, and an “incredible mentor”.
So sad to hear of the passing of David Wilson, the pioneering godfather of modern Scottish cooking at The Peat Inn. He brought joy to countless diners and wine enthusiasts with his amazing menus and wine lists. No doubt he is in the tasting room at Ch Petrus now!
— Ian Macrae (@Ian_macrae3) May 15, 2021
Another sad day and huge loss to our industry. R.I.P. Chef David Wilson, it was an honour to have met you. Thank you for the inspiration and culinary support. pic.twitter.com/WE8rFbhHtw
— Falcon Chef (@FalconDevChef) May 16, 2021
Sad to hear from friends that David Wilson, formerly of The Peat Inn has died. A friend and mentor to many, a charmer and a chatter. A hero of Scottish hospitality. A man of excellent taste. Thank you David 🙏 #thepeatinn
— Alison Sykora 🕷🦥 (@albachick) May 17, 2021
Scottish celebrity chef Nick Nairn tweeted: “Very sad news, the hugely talented, trailblazing chef David Wilson has passed.
“David was a huge inspiration, in many ways instrumental in my becoming a chef.
“Impossible to overstate his influence on Scottish cooking. A true legend and wonderful man.
“Thoughts with Pat and Family.”
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Very sad news ,the hugely talented ,trailblazing chef David Wilson has passed. David was a huge inspiration , in many ways instrumental in my becoming a chef. Impossible to overstate his influence on Scottish cooking. A true legend and wonderful man. Thoughts with Pat & family
— Dr Dr Nick Nairn (@NickNairn) May 17, 2021
In his time, Wilson also earned two Egon Ronay stars, three AA rosettes, became Master Chef of Great Britain, and was named one of Britain’s three Chefs Laureate by the British Academy of Gastronomes.
His renowned menu was rooted in classical French cooking, made with Scottish produce.
Wilson enjoyed his retirement with his wife and family, spending his time between his homes in Upper Largo, Fife, and in the South of France.
In an interview with The Herald in 2005, he accredited his good health to his wife’s care and attentiveness.
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