Welcoming Our New Head Teacher: Caroline Lamont joins Edinburgh New Town Cookery School

We are delighted to announce that Caroline Lamont has joined Edinburgh New Town Cookery School as our new Head Teacher.

Caroline brings with her a wide-ranging background in hospitality, teaching, and the culinary industry. Growing up in a family passionate about food — with parents who owned a hotel — she developed her love for hospitality early on. She studied Hospitality Management with Culinary Arts at university before running the family hotel as manager for ten years, later going on to complete an MSc in Gastronomy.

Her passion for cooking then led her to Leiths School of Food and Wine, where she trained as a chef and discovered her enthusiasm for teaching. After gaining industry experience with high-end catering companies and at luxury holiday destinations, she returned to Leiths as a teacher. Caroline later moved back to Scotland to teach home economics.

When asked why she was drawn to the role, Caroline explained:
“The reputation of the school and the exciting food scene here in Edinburgh – why not be a part of it?”

Her favourite part of teaching is watching students progress:
“From the first day when a student doesn’t know how to hold a knife, to the end, when they’re producing high-end patisserie and skilled butchery. That journey is incredible.”

Caroline is especially looking forward to returning to the kitchen and guiding the next generation of culinary talent. With Edinburgh’s central location and Scotland’s outstanding produce, she sees great opportunities for the School’s students. She also highlights that, with new Board members bringing wide experience from the food and drink industry, “this is an exciting time to be here.”

This important role has been held since the school’s founding by Fiona Burrell, our Founder and Principal, who will soon be taking a step back from the day-to-day running of classes. Fiona will remain involved and continue to work closely with Caroline to ensure a smooth transition and a shared vision for the School’s future.

Please join us in giving Caroline a warm welcome to the team. We look forward to seeing her passion and experience inspire students in the years ahead.