Fresh langoustines landed on the pier. Oysters farmed just along the loch. A dining room where wetsuited paddleboarders lunch beside Bentley owners. In this exclusive interview, Scotland’s Chef of the Year Michael Leathley reveals how life on Loch Linnhe shapes his cooking at The Pierhouse, why simplicity leaves nowhere to hide, and how hospitality, sustainability and community are inseparable on Scotland’s west coast.

Two decades after starting out as a commis, Paul Green has returned to The Three Chimneys, now as Head Chef. Drawing on years under mentors like Martin Wishart and Michael Smith, he’s crafting dishes that honour Skye’s legendary shellfish, sustainable sourcing and simplicity over showmanship. This is a story of coming home, and of a restaurant deeply rooted in place.

At Edinbane Lodge on Skye, Calum Montgomery does more than cook – he forges stories from scallops, mutton, and sea air. In this exclusive interview for The Knife, the Chef of the Year shares how local legends, late-night lobster allocations and a “hot minger” shaped his culinary path. This is modern Scottish fine dining, rooted in heritage and fuelled by Skye’s wildest ingredients.

Local scallops, Scottish truffles and a kitchen of two — Chef David Smith on simplicity and sustainability at The Dipping Lugger.