Tributes paid after 'best chef in Ayrshire' dies - Daily Record

Tributes paid after 'best chef in Ayrshire' diesIan Ferguson was group executive chef for the RAD Hotel Group and recently developed the menu for the new Tales restaurant at the Brig o'

Doon.Ayrshire LiveStephen Bark Ayrshire Live senior reporter14:33, 04 Jun 2025Ian was a beloved member of the RAD Group team(Image: RAD Group) Tributes have been paid to a "beloved" Ayrshire

chef who died last month.

Ian Ferguson had recently returned to the Brig o' Doon in Alloway where he led the creation of the restaurant's new menu.

‌ He has been described as a "beloved friend, devoted husband and proud father" as well as the "best chef in Ayrshire".

‌ Originally from Fife, Ian moved to Ayrshire where he became a key figure in the RAD Hotel Group.

He worked at the former Alloway Inn before taking on a number of chef and head chef roles around Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Glasgow including the Carlton Hotel in Prestwick and Highgrove

House in Troon.

After 25 years away from the Brig o' Doon, Ian returned this year as group executive chef for the RAD Hotel Group with the new owners embarking on their latest refurbishment project of the

iconic hotel, restaurant and wedding venue.

Article continues below Ian's wife Laura said he was "my best friend" and the "best chef in Ayrshire".

She said: "You were one of the good guys, never moaned and didn't deserve to be taken away. You fought hard and were very loved."

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, the team at the Brig o' Doon said: "Tales, In Loving Memory of The Chef Behind The Story⁠.

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"Every great tale needs a guiding voice - ours was Chef Ian Ferguson. Though he is no longer with us for this next chapter, his vision, talent and unwavering dedication helped shape every

part of this experience.

"A talented chef, beloved friend, devoted husband and proud father - Ian was the soul of the kitchen and a key figure in the RAD Hotel Group for more than 15 years.

‌ "From his early days at the former Alloway Inn over two decades ago to his return for the development of Tales, Ian held a deep affection for Brig o' Doon and took immense pride in

crafting this menu with us.⁠

"This next tale at Brig o' Doon is told in his honour - so raise a glass and enjoy a menu crafted by a man who continues to inspire every story we serve."

Ian's funeral will take place on Monday, June 9 at Masonhill Crematorium and the Brig o' Doon.

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