The past 11 years of my life spent working at The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye have been the most eventful, exhilarating and often exhausting so far. I came here in June 2004 after a chance meeting with Shirley in Glasgow a month earlier. Laurence and I had always aspired to a rural existence and were both already familiar and enthralled with the west coast. So, after several hours of conversation with Shirley (13 to be exact) followed by a quick visit, we decided to take the leap. And we have definitely never looked back since!

Just as events back then seemed to be guiding us in the right direction, it again feels right to be drawing this chapter to a close. Both from a professional, and more importantly, from a personal point of view, it feels like it is time for change. Of all the achievements and accolades over the years, the biggest for me is seeing my family grow and thrive in this amazing part of the world. First and foremost, for the time being, I need to invest time in my family.

Taking the chance and making the move has been more successful and brought more happiness than Laurence and I could ever have imagined in 2004. We have been greatly supported by many people and have made many new friends along the way. It has been very humbling for me to see how much support and encouragement I have received over the past few months from family and close friends and, just as invaluable, long term suppliers and colleagues in the industry. I would like to thank everyone most sincerely – it means everything to me.

I shall be leaving The Three Chimneys at the end of June this year. Every great restaurant needs to evolve and change by definition and I have no doubt that Shirley and Eddie will continue to guide and oversee their unique business as they always have done. This new chapter will prove to be another exciting, eventful and successful period in the legacy of the restaurant that I hold so dear to my heart.

For now, my plans are as follows:

Take July off and rediscover Skye from top to bottom; perhaps do some blogging and vlogging for my fantastic new website; take the family on a summer holiday, for the first time ever…

Then, who knows?

Monachyle Mhor Festival is just brilliant!

Now in its fourth year this super family friendly, food inspired celebration of all things great and good in Scotland gets a little bigger and better everytime, initiated and driven by the combined infinite positive energy and chaotic genius that are Tom, Lisa, Dick and Mari.

This is the year of Food and Drink http://www.visitscotland.com/about/food-drink/ in Scotland so my dish for this year’s feast highlights the amazing producers we have from all over Scotland. Titled “Katy’s Secret Phantasie Summer Salad” I hope to showcase:-

Crowdie from http://knockraich.com/creamery.html
Vegetables from http://www.phantassie.co.uk/
Herbs from http://secretherbgarden.co.uk/
Dressing made from http://www.summerharvestoils.co.uk/
And seaweed from http://maraseaweed.com/

My food has always been predominately inspired by the ingredients. Cooks and chefs alike would be nothing if it wasn’t for the love and effort invested by these and many more producers across Scotland, consistently delivering the finest produce!

If you are one of the lucky few to get tickets for the Banquet, please come up and say hi!