In a glittering year for one of Scotland’s best-loved hotels, Kinloch Lodge have been awarded a Michelin star for its food - the first Michelin star to be awarded in Skye.

This prestigious award signals the culinary experience is outstanding. Measured by numerous inspections throughout each year, Michelin looks for consistency and an intelligent, imaginative and dedicated commitment to quality and flavour.

Marcello Tully, head-chef, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded a Michelin star, it is the ultimate accolade for any chef.  We’ve worked very hard together as a team in the three years since I’ve joined to develop an exciting, imaginative and diverse menu that, above all, celebrates the exceptional quality of the local produce we have on our doorstep. This is a wonderful recognition of all our efforts and builds on Kinloch’s renowned and celebrated culinary heritage.  In particular I would like to thank my superb sous chef, Andrew Maclugash."

In addition to the Michelin Star, Kinloch retained their Red Grape award for its wine list.

Kinloch Lodge has long been a focus for exceptional accommodation and fantastic food with world renowned, award-winning cook and food writer, Claire Macdonald and her husband Godfrey at its helm for the past 37 years. Their daughter Isabella and her husband Tom Eveling joined the team in 2002 and have since devoted their time and energy to managing the business, conducting a comprehensive redesign and bringing it to new levels of singular quality. Marcello Tully joined the team as head chef in 2007 and has been developing the already outstanding menu to create a fine dining experience to rival the very best in the UK.

Claire Macdonald commented: “Michelin’s star is a testament to the fantastic work being carried out by Marcello and his team at Kinloch Lodge. They work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure every guest’s stay is truly memorable, so to be given this recognition by Michelin is heart warming and truly wonderful.”

Fergus Watson of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who has been working with Kinloch Lodge Hotel on their development plans for growing the business over the next three years, congratulated them on the achievement.  “It is a first class example of what innovative businesses with a strong customer focus can achieve.  Kinloch Lodge’s passion for food is world renowned. The coveted award is well deserved recognition for Marcello and the team's work.  It is another example of how Highlands and Island’s businesses constantly raise the bar in the food and drink, and tourism sectors,” he said.