The former head chef at Scotland’s Balbirnie House in Fife, who was forced to resign after he embellished his CV, has admitted that his lies have “destroyed” his life.

James Stocks, who ran his eponymous restaurant at the Orangery, was suspended and consequently resigned from his position earlier this month after he was exposed for faking large parts of his career and alleging false senior positions at some the UK’s top restaurants.

He claimed close relationships with chefs including Marco Pierre White, Gordon Ramsay and Michel Roux Jr as well as high ranking positions in their kitchens. However, the multi-Michelin-starred chefs denied his claims, with Marco Pierre White saying “I just don’t know him”.

In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Stocks said: "I wish I hadn't done it because it's cost me everything. I have a fiancé and a two-year-old son and this has just destroyed my life.”

Stocks admitted that he embellished his CV but insisted that he just exaggerated how long he had worked at restaurants and the seniority of his positions.

“When the job came up at Balbirnie, it seemed perfect. I love Scotland,” he said. “But I was worried if I put down my previous employers, it would look bad. I had moved around 30 restaurants, soaking up the recipes and techniques, then leaving some after two weeks without saying goodbye - which upset people.”

Stocks had been lined up for a book deal, a TV show and an ad contract, both of which are now on hold. He said he is now looking to secure a backer to open his own restaurant.

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By Kerstin Kühn

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