Festival searches for top amateur chef to win job in city hotels

But it could soon be a reality for one culinary hopeful, as the organisers behind the Taste of Edinburgh festival begin a search for the country's best amateur chef in a Masterchef-style competition.

Not only will the winner secure a six-month paid job in the kitchens of Malmaison and Hotel Du Vin, but they will also cook on the festival's main stage alongside professionals such as Nick Nairn and Jean-Christophe Novelli.

Juliet Simpson, managing director of Stripe Events, the festival's organiser, said: "We're looking for someone who is a bit different, who really stands out, whether it's for their innovation or their knowledge of produce. This is an opportunity to find the next charismatic star of cooking."

The festival is working alongside its sponsor, ScottishPower, to offer the apprenticeship, opening the competition up to all trainees or recently qualified chefs.

Entrants have to submit seasonal Scottish recipes, including one main course and one dessert, by 29 April.

Four judges – Kevin MacGillivray, president of the Federation of Chefs Scotland; Susan Deacon, advisor to ScottishPower; Stephen Jardine from STV's The Hour Show and Marie-Claire James, Taste of Edinburgh's festival director – will then agree on six finalists who will go on to compete in a heated cook-off on 13 May.

Flavour, healthy eating, visual appeal, seasonality, sustainability and provenance will all be taken into consideration by the judges.

The winner will then demonstrate their award-winning dishes at the ScottishPower Taste Theatre at Taste of Edinburgh, from 28-30 May, in Inverleith Park.

Ms Simpson said: "Being a chef is very competitive and the early years are vital. This competition will allow the winner to be trained by the very best and get their support."

To enter, visit www.tasteof edinburgh.co.uk/competition before 29 April.