A LOCAL chef is being whisked into the TV limelight as he represents Scotland in this year’s Great British Menu.

And if he’s successful in the competition, Osso’s Ally McGrath will get the chance to show off his culinary skills at a special banquet in the Palace of Westminster.

The show contacted the 43-year-old asking if he’d like to take part – and he jumped at the chance.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said the Peebles restaurateur. “This is where I’ve watched loads of my heroes do their thing on TV and to be considered good enough to go up there with them kind of blows my mind.”

The series starts on Monday night and the regional heats will see one newcomer achieve the highest mark ever given in the competition’s history – could this be our Peebles lad?

The father-of-two decided he wanted to be a chef when he was just a 13-year-old Peebles High pupil. 

He admits he was ‘no grade A student’ at school but he worked extremely hard at perfecting his trade and realised his dream of owning his own restaurant when he bought Osso, formerly the Silver Spoon, back in 2007.

“I absolutely love my job, I’m very lucky that way,” he said. “I couldn’t handle a job that I hated like some people do, even if the money was amazing.

“There have been times, especially when you are younger that it’s tough, as all your friends are out at the weekends and you’re constantly working.

“I did have a moment where I nearly quit it, but I’m so glad I didn’t.

“I love all of it. The pressure, the deadlines, the constant change, the hours – you wouldn’t work the hours we work if you didn’t love it.

“No two days are the same and I love seeing the enjoyment on people’s faces when they first try something you’ve made them.

“And most importantly I love my team – they are awesome. It’s not just about one person or front of house and back of house it’s all of us, that’s what makes it.”

“You know what one of my favourite parts is? When you’re doing a big party and you wait as the food goes out, and the room go silent as everyone tucks in – it’s so satisfying.”

Each week, the prestigious Great British Menu judging panel will be joined by a guest judge who has been feted in his or her field. 

They include award-winning food writers and critics as well as esteemed chefs and restaurateurs honoured for their services to the hospitality industry. 

Together they will decide which chef will be the champion of their region and worthy of potentially becoming an ambassador for contemporary British cuisine.

The eight regional winners will then compete in the national finals for a chance to cook at the Great Britons Banquet at the Houses of Parliament.

Filming has now finished and of course we asked Ally how he got on...but he is staying tight lipped for now.

“I can’t answer that now can I!” he laughed. “What I can say is it was an amazing experience. I was up against two really strong chefs and there were parts of it that were terrifying: The moment before the veteran judge walks through the door is particularly daunting.

“Getting used to stopping as you’re cooking and talking to camera takes a bit of getting used to, and the moment before you get your score, it’s all quite scary. 

“The cooking bit is probably the easiest as its what we do, you just get your head down and get on with it as though you were in your own kitchen. I think I’m more nervous now that it’s about to come out than I was when I went down to London to do it!

“It would be an awesome achievement to get asked back to do another series but we will wait and see.”

The Great British Menu airs on Monday at 7.30pm, BBC 2.