Attack leaves Nick Nairn with black eye and swollen face

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn has been left bruised after an early hours assault

Celebrity chef Nick Nairn was today left bruised after an early hours assault following an event at his cookery school.

The former Ready Steady Cook star posted a picture of his battered face on social media showing a black eye and a badly-gashed and swollen nose.

Mr Nairn, 58, of Stirling, who became Scotland’s youngest chef to win a Michelin star in 1991, was beaten up on Union Row in Aberdeen at about 1am.

He had been at an event at his nearby Cook School premises before the attack.

His publicist Julia Forster chased after the attackers before an ambulance was called for help. He suffered bruising and was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

Mr Nairn tweeted: ‘Two feisty chaps did this to me and ran off chased by Julia Forster!If anyone saw anything can u call Police Scotland on 101 they were great as were ambulance and hospital services. I’m a bit peeved but fine.’

He told the Evening Express: ‘As we were walking back two guys came past us, two guys in their 20s, something was said, I’ve no idea what, we carried on walking and the next thing one of the guys hit me – I didn’t see it coming.

Mr Nairn, of Stirling, said his attackers eventually fled - and tweeted: 'I'm a bit peeved but fine'

Mr Nairn, of Stirling, said his attackers eventually fled – and tweeted: ‘I’m a bit peeved but fine’

‘I was on the deck. I was out. I think I hit my head and passed-out for a few seconds. My good looks may have been slightly dented.

‘It didn’t break my nose. It’s just a very deep cut. The first responder police and ambulance service and the guys at the hospital were excellent.’

Dozens of messages of support have flooded in for the Scot – including some from fellow chefs.

Mark Greenaway wrote: ‘That’s terrible. I hope you’re OK chef and getting medical care. Don’t just brush off head injuries. I hope you catch the scumbags.’

Mr Nairn (pictured in 2013) became Scotland's youngest chef to win a Michelin star in 1991

Mr Nairn, pictured on Great British Menu on the BBC in 2006

Mr Nairn (pictured left in 2013; and right in 2006) became Scotland’s youngest chef to win a Michelin star in 1991

His Twitter followers were also 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.’

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.’

Mr Nairn (far right) with (from left) Paul Rankin, Vincent Pelligrino, Fern Britton and Mark Jordan on the popular BBC cookery programme Ready, Steady, Cook in July 1999

Mr Nairn (far right) with (from left) Paul Rankin, Vincent Pelligrino, Fern Britton and Mark Jordan on the popular BBC cookery programme Ready, Steady, Cook in July 1999

Police Scotland 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 quoting reference 169 of 22 December.’



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