Donald Leitch

Following the completion of full time college education with qualifications covering all aspects of the Hospitality industry including Professional Cookery and Food and Beverage Management, Donald had some 8 years employment in the industry with a wide range of experiences in hotels, restaurants and events, culminating in the management of Catering Services within the University of Glasgow.

There followed a long association with the Glasgow College of Food Technology (GCFT) starting as a lecturer there in 1974 (later senior lecturer). His specialisms covered all aspects of the operation and management of food and beverages. He increased his knowledge through completion of advanced courses with the Wine and Spirit Education Trust.  His expertise was acknowledged nationally being appointed to the role of Principal Assessor and National Development Officer for Food and Beverage Qualifications (SQA)

In 1985 he started a 6 year spell as Head of Department in what is now called South Lanarkshire College. He returned to GCFT as Depute Principal before being appointed Principal in 1997.

Throughout this time, and since, Donald has maintained a very close interest and links with the Hospitality Industry being a long standing committee member, including a spell as Chairman, of the Cookery and Food Association in Scotland. This organisation developed and managed culinary competitions under the now nationally acknowledged banner of ‘Salon Culinaire’.

He was invited to join the Judging Panel for the inaugural CIS Culinary Excellence Awards and remained on the panel for a number of years. More recently Donald has twice been invited to the USA to deliver talks on Whisky and this year will be a visiting lecturer to Purdue University in Indiana.