SCOTLAND'S top chefs will be battling it out for the coveted first prize in a major competition in Glasgow next month.

The Grand Final of the Knorr Scottish Chef of the Year Championships will take place on February 27 at the SECC, as part of ScotHot 2007, the country's major hospitality exhibition.

Organised and judged by the Federation of Chefs Scotland, the contest has attracted contestants from all over the country.

Competitors have to submit a well balanced four-course menu.

The panel of judges has already selected the finalists for the regional heats, which take place on January 30 and 31 at Adam Smith College in Glenrothes, Fife.

The winners of each heat will receive a cash prize of £100 with the 10 competitors who scored highest from all heats going forward to the Grand Final.