Paul Hart appointed executive chef of the Balmoral

Paul Hart has been appointed as executive chef of the Balmoral hotel in Edinburgh.

He will lead the culinary team and develop the menu for the Rocco Forte hotel, focusing on local, seasonal produce.

Hart was previously culinary development partner at Gleneagles in Auchterarder and executive head chef of the Scotsman hotel in Edinburgh.

Throughout his 28-year career, he has worked at the likes of the Michelin-starred Moody Goose restaurant in Bath and the four AA Red Star Cringletie House hotel in Peebles.

He was also responsible for gaining his team at the Old Course hotel in St Andrews three AA rosettes during his time as head chef.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: "The Balmoral has so much to offer, from fine-dining in Number One to Afternoon Tea in Palm Court. The continuous development of our offering is something I am incredibly passionate about.

"Nurturing the next generation of young chefs is something I have always championed throughout my career and there is so much talent out there. I am fully committed to working with the team on their personal progression and I look forward to working with the entire brigade in this special establishment."

Richard Cooke, general manager at the Balmoral, added: "It is a real pleasure to have Paul join The Balmoral team and lead the way in the next chapter of our culinary journey. It's an exciting time for the hotel as we celebrate our 120th anniversary and we look forward to developing our guest experience and working towards retaining our title as a five star Forbes destination."