AN Italian restaurant is in the running for a quartet of honours just six months after being taken over by new owners.

The team at Punto in Kilmacolm are finalists in the chef of the year, barista champion, wine selection and best team categories at the Scottish Italian Awards 2021.

Businessmen Danny McIntyre and David Davidson took on the business from the Pieri family - who had been at the helm of the business for 40 years - in April this year.

Owner Danny says the award nominations have come as a 'complete surprise' to the team of 14 staff at the restaurant.

He said: "This is a really big deal for us.

"It's great to know that we've had such an impact on customers in such a short time.

"We would like to say a huge thank-you to everyone who voted."

Head chef Rashid Siriwardhana is thrilled to be up for chef of the year.

The kitchen maestro, known as Rashi to staff and customers, started working in the restaurant when Danny and David took on the business.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Rashi moved to the UK when he was 18 and studied hospitality and tourism.

He has been working as a chef for 10 years and was at The Albany in Greenock and Cairn in Kilmacolm before moving to Punto.

Rashi, 33, said: "This is a big honour for me.

"There's a great team here and I get all the support I need to do my job well.

"I enjoyed my time in my other jobs but wanted to do something different.

"I've always worked in fresh food restaurants and love working with fresh ingredients.

"I live in the village so it's a big responsibility for me to serve up great food for people.

"I really enjoy it."

Rashi will now have to impress the Scottish Italian Awards judges with a dish when they visit.

Danny and David own other restaurants across the west of Scotland including Barga in Paisley and The Urbanist in Kilmarnock.

Danny says he's very proud of what Punto has achieved.

He added: "I think we're a breath of fresh air and we're really community-focused

"We knew there was an opportunity here and I think what we've achieved in such a short space of time is incredible."

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PASTA MASTERS Scott Beaton, Danny McIntyre and Rashid Siriwardhana.