TRIBUTES have been paid following the death of a top Scots chef who once cooked for George Bush and Vladmir Putin.
Alan Gibb, the executive chef at Gleneagles Hotel, passed away yesterday (Tues) aged just 48 after suffering a stroke.
His impressive career involved creating menus for the G8 summit, held at the hotel in 2005 and attended by world leaders.
And now staff and family members have paid tribute to the “culinary visionary”, who will be “sorely missed” by those who knew him.
During his time as executive chef Mr Gibb, originally from Aberdeen, prepared meals for world leaders and celebrities alike when they visited the luxury spa and golf resort.
One of his most prestigious events was the G8 summit which took place at Gleneagles eleven years ago.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, President of the United States George Bush and Russian President Vladmir Putin were among those who attended.
More recently, Prince William and Kate visited the hotel to commemorate its 90th anniversary in 2014.
They flew up to Scotland and stayed at the five-star venue, enjoying meals organised by Mr Gibb and his team.
Other high-profile guests include Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and his mother Judy.
After learning of his passing, Balbirnie House Hotel in Markinch – where Mr Gibb worked as head chef for four years – flew their flags at half mast.
Many of Mr Gibb’s friends and family took to social media to pay their respects to the much-loved father-of-one.
Leading Edinburgh chef Mark Greenaway wrote: “I worked for this great chef in 1996 when he was sous chef at Gleneagles. RIP chef.”
Balbirnie’s managing director Nicholas Russell said: “A tremendously focused executive chef and hands-on cook, driven by evolution within kitchens, and doing all possible to encourage young chefs into the amazing world of hospitality
“RIP chef, onwards to the big kitchen in the sky.”
A Gleneagles spokesman said: “We are devastated…Alan was not just a colleague but a friend and inspiration to all of us at Gleneagles and we will miss him terribly.
“He was also respected for his talent and professionalism by generations of hotel guests.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alan’s family at this sad time.”
Mr Gibb began his career in 1984 working for kitchens across Scotland, London and France but his big break was being appointed head chef at Balbirnie House Hotel in Markinch 1998.
He also set up his own restaurant, the Restaurant at Cluny Bank in Forres, before becoming executive chef at Gleneagles.
