Celebrating Fiona Burrell

We’re marking a very special milestone at Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, the retirement of our founder, Fiona Burrell.

Fiona’s career has spanned five decades, and in that time she’s inspired hundreds of chefs, bakers, entrepreneurs and passionate home cooks. Since opening our doors in 2009, she’s blended classical cookery training with creativity, innovation and a genuine love for helping people realise their potential.

From Kitchens to Classrooms

Fiona’s culinary journey began here in Edinburgh in the 1970s, after graduating from Queen Margaret College. She honed her skills in kitchens across Edinburgh and London, before joining Leiths School of Food and Wine in 1983, founded by Dame Prue Leith. Over twelve years she climbed from teacher to Principal, co‑authoring cookbooks and shaping the next generation of cooks. After Leiths, she became a sought‑after consultant, recipe developer, and food stylist, sharing her expertise on TV, radio and in print.

Building a School That Changes Lives

When Fiona founded Edinburgh New Town Cookery School, her mission was clear: “I wanted to give people skills that would stay with them for life and the confidence to use those skills to change their own futures.”

For the past 16 years, she’s done just that. Many of our graduates have gone on to remarkable achievements, from Michelin‑starred kitchens to thriving artisan bakeries.

Sam Yorke, who trained with Fiona, now runs Heron and is Edinburgh’s youngest Michelin‑starred chef. Rachel Morgan, co‑founder of Twelve Triangles, has helped redefine the city’s bakery scene. Both credit Fiona’s teaching for giving them the foundation, confidence and vision to succeed.

Rachel says: “Alongside all her achievements, she’s remained such a lively, warm presence, someone who genuinely cares about her students as people. That combination of skill, energy and true interest in others is rare, and it’s made a lasting impact”

Looking Ahead

Lucinda Bruce‑Gardyne, our Executive Chair, first started her culinary training at Leiths when Fiona was Principal at Leiths, before going on to found Genius Foods and Chairing Scotland Food & Drink. She reflects: “Fiona has built a school and a phenomenal team that transforms lives not just skills. Her influence will ripple through Scotland’s food scene for years to come.”

From February 2026, Fiona will take on a new role as Non‑Executive Founder Director, continuing to guide our ethos while giving herself more time for other projects. While we’ll miss seeing her in the kitchen every day, Fiona’s vision will remain at the heart of what we do hands‑on teaching, high‑quality training, and a belief that learning to cook can truly change lives.

Thanks to everything Fiona has given us. Here’s to the next chapter with Lucinda Bruce- Gardyne at the helm.