Chef's tale is stirring stuff after surviving on streets

A FORMER homeless drug addict who spent time in prison has turned his life around to become a chef in one of Edinburgh's top restaurants.

Steven Loughton overcame drug and alcohol abuse to qualify for a cooking course run by The Prince's Trust, before being headhunted to work at The Prestonfield House Hotel and The Witchery.

The 21-year-old has now become one of just three people in the UK to be nominated for an award at the the Prince's Trust & L'Oral Paris Celebrate Success Awards in London on Wednesday.

Steven told the News: "I'm really proud to be nominated for this award. I have come a long way in the past couple of years and I don't think I would have managed it without the help and support of the Prince's Trust."

He added: "Being involved with the Prince's Trust has been a life-changing experience and I have been lucky enough to meet some really inspiring people.

"Today, I am confident about my future and want to help other young people to get their lives on track."

As a teenager Steven was homeless, in prison and used drugs. After battling with alcoholism, he managed to get his life back on track once he moved in with his grandfather.

Steven completed the trust's Get into Cooking programme and began part-time work at the upmarket Elements bar on Rose Street.

He was then headhunted by The Prestonfield House Hotel's executive head chef, John McMahon, and is currently working at hotel's sister restaurant, The Witchery.

Geraldine Gammell, director of the Prince's Trust Scotland, said the talented chef was an inspiration to other young people.

She said: "Steven has really turned his life around and is an inspiration to his peers, having come such a long way in a short space of time.

"He should be very proud of himself being short-listed for this national award; I know all of us who have met and worked with Steven at the trust are.

"I wish him every luck next week and, whatever the outcome, he should be delighted with his achievements.

"The Prince's Trust works with thousands of disadvantaged young people every year, all of whom have shown the resolve and commitment to better their situations. Successes such as Steven's prove to them that their dreams can become a reality."

Gerard Eadie, chairman of the Prince's Trust in Scotland and owner of CR Smith, added that Steven, along with the other nominees Jade Brown and Steven Hardie, had overcome significant challenges to get where they are today.

He said: "The Scottish trio of Steven Hardie, Steven Loughton and Jade Brown deserve huge credit for how they have turned their lives around and represent some of the inspiring stories of young people in Scotland who have overcome significant challenges. We can all be immensely proud of these young people."They have shown tremendous bravery and determination to get their lives back on track. I wish them the very best of luck for the awards night and every success for the future."