Acorn Awards 2026: Raegan Lynch, Cromlix

Age 25 

Position restaurant manager, Cromlix

Testimonial/supporter Caitlin Swart, assistant general manager, Crossbasket Castle

Raegan Lynch started her career in hospitality by working at a local Italian restaurant at the age of 15, where she progressed quickly to manager, but it took a celebratory birthday dinner for her 21st for her to fall in love with fine dining. She asked if the restaurant had any roles and the rest is history. 

Since then she has taken on senior roles at Kimpton Blythswood and Crossbasket Castle, after which she was assistant general manager for the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, managing a team of 26 and maintaining the exacting standards of the restaurant. 

Now, as restaurant manager at Cromlix, Lynch is spearheading the launch of the Cradle, a key new opening within the hotel’s wider development. Drawing on her experience in Michelin-starred and high-volume environments, she is building the operation from the ground up by shaping the team, setting service standards and ensuring the concept delivers both commercially and creatively. 

Throughout her journey to Cromlix, participating in the Annual Awards of Excellence and the Gold Scholarship has been pivotal to Lynch’s growth, allowing her to blend high-volume operational management with elite-level service standards.

Lynch also mentors team members into leadership roles and creates a culture where people feel supported and challenged. 

Beyond Cromlix, she works with Springboard and local colleges such as South Lanarkshire College, where she supports new entrants into the industry through mock interviews and work placements, while also mentoring candidates through the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.