Ready, Steady Cook! From Coreen to Corinne – KGS welcomes new kitchen cook supervisor

The special “blue boss” apron was handed over to Kirkwall Grammar School’s new cook supervisor Corinne MacGregor this week from a retiring Coreen Daley. 

Corinne, who has been a cook supervisor at Glaitness Primary since February, demonstrated that she had all the right ingredients for the job, which sees up to 900 meals provided daily for pupils and staff at Orkney’s largest school. 

Coreen’s last day is on Wednesday 3 July, but Corinne has been spending some time at KGS as part of a hands-on handover with the team! 

Corinne began her school catering career in 2015 as a relief kitchen assistant working a small number of hours at Papdale and KGS – which worked in well with having a young child. 

During this time Corinne made use of a “grow your own scheme” run by the School Meals department that offered training to qualify as a cook. She completed her training at UHI Orkney, learning valuable skills in food preparation and cooking. 

Although she’s had a fantastic time leading at Glaitness and will miss the friendly team and super bairns there, Corinne was keen to take on the challenge of the KGS role. 

“It’s so fine that I’ve worked at the KGS previously, so I know the team, the kitchen and, most importantly, they know me. My hope is to run things as well as Mrs D! I will find my feet first and then maybe look at putting my own stamp on it with a few tweaks.” 

She would encourage others into the industry. 

“It’s a brilliant job, especially when you have bairns to fit in around the school day and holidays. There’s always a good laugh in the kitchen and you can work your way up.” 

Catering Manager, Scott Pring, said: “We are all delighted with Corinne’s appointment. There's no doubt she has big shoes to fill but we are confident she has all the right attributes to do that. 

“Whilst Corinne was very comfortable in the role at Glaitness and doing a fabulous job, her dream was always to take over at KGS. When Coreen announced her retirement and the KGS post became vacant, Corinne applied and was successful in being awarded the post, probably the most senior post out of all our kitchens here in Orkney. 

“Corinne has shown real character and determination to further her career and I feel her journey clearly shows that. She is excellent in her role as Cook Supervisor and is proud to be part of Orkney school meals, serving freshly prepared, locally sourced meals that comply with legislation and awarded with bronze Food for Life.” 

If you are interested in the Cook Supervisor post at Glaitness Primary School or a relief role within the School Meals Service, head to myjobscotland ref ORK08457. 

The closing date is Sunday 21 July. 

Read more about Coreen’s retirement here: https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=9294