Celebrity chef Nick Nairn was left black and blue after suffering a savage beating while walking home from his cookery school.

The former Ready Steady Cook star was on Union Row in Aberdeen at around 1am on Friday when he was assaulted.


Mr Nairn, who became Scotland's youngest chef to win a Michelin star in 1991, had been at an event at his nearby Cook School premises before the incident.

He suffered bruising to his face and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Mr Nairn, of Stirling, said it was only due to a friend intervening that his attackers fled.

He tweeted: "I'm a bit peeved but fine."

The 58-year-old posted a picture of his battered face on social media showing a black eye and a badly-gashed and swollen nose. The chef was jumped by two thugs after leaving work in the early hours of this morning (FRI). His publicist Julia Forster chased after the attackers before an ambulance was called for help.

His followers on Twitter was equally appalled.

Erikka Askeland said: “Oh how awful, Nick! Hope you recover over Xmas and the miscreants who did this are brought to book!”

Katie Pathiaki wrote: “Oh my god, I hope you’re okay - not just physically but mentally too.

“What an awful thing to happen at any time, but especially before Christmas. Wishing you a speedy recovery. X”

And Douglas Gillespie said: “That is atrocious chef. Take care and hope you feel better really soon. “What a dreadful thing to happen to some like you who does so much for others.”

Investigating Officer PC Alan Gordon said: “With festive celebrations ongoing Aberdeen city centre was busy last night with people out socialising. “I would ask that if anyone saw this incident to contact us.

“In particular, we believe two males wearing black jackets and jeans may have information that could assist us with our enquiries. “Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”