GLASGOW'S own Masterchef champion has been invited to a prestigious judging panel following his culinary contest success.

City of Glasgow College lecturer Gary Maclean was asked to join the Advisory Board of the Catering Scotland Excellence Awards after he beat 47 other chefs to the top spot on Masterchef the professionals last month.

Dad-of-six Gary said Scotland's culinary scene at present was "the most exciting time in food in Scotland in my whole career.

He said: "Loads of young chefs are opening restaurants all over the country, especially in Glasgow, and the food is often magnificent.

"Edinburgh has been a guiding light for more than 10 years."

The 45-year-old from Robroyston added that it was "an honour" to join the panel, and said: "I’ve looked up to others on the Board throughout my career. Each is an expert in their field."

He will be joining fellow judges James Thomson, owner of Edinburgh’s Prestonfield Hotel, The Tower and The Witchery and Stephen Carter, General Manager of the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews along with a range of other top culinary professionals.

The board is responsible for judging entries for the annual Catering Scotland excellence awards, which looks at the best businesses across the catering, hospitality and tourism industries.

This year, entries close on 10 March with the gongs being presented on May 25.