Top Restaurant Steps In To Save Christmas At Isle Of Skye School

23rd December 2025

Chefs from one of Scotland's most famous restaurants co-operated with Highland Council's catering team last week to ensure pupils at a Skye primary school did not miss out on their eagerly awaited Christmas lunch.

Because the school was without a cook, it looked like youngsters at Dunvegan Primary would have to forego their seasonal roast, an occasion which is always a real festive highlight for pupils and staff.

Thankfully, help was at hand as the culinary wizards from The Three Chimneys - the award-winning, five-star restaurant at Colbost, North West Skye - agreed to deliver a magical meal.

The renowned eatery has recently been developing close links with the school through the creation of a successful kitchen classroom project. Earlier this year pupils were invited to visit the restaurant, hone their cooking skills and learn more about the best local produce from the island.

Samantha Muir, head teacher of Dunvegan and Carbost schools, said: "It looked like we were going to miss out on a special Christmas lunch this year, but we are so grateful to all at the Three Chimneys – the general manager Kieran Walker, chef Paul Green and their talented team.

"The meal was fabulous and a real treat for around 60 pupils and 15 staff who sat down to enjoy it.

“A huge thank you is due to Caroline Knox and Highland Council’s catering team for all the help, flexibility and co-operation in helping to make this happen.

“It was so nice for everyone to be able to sit down together and enjoy the Christmas lunch, with our young people providing entertainment and songs all the way through."

The school and restaurant partnership has brought strong educational benefits for the children.

During their kitchen classroom project the youngsters put their culinary skills to the test by serving a meal for guests from the community.

The Three Chimneys’ work with Dunvegan Primary School is part of its ongoing commitment to fundraising and support for communities and charities on the island.

Every year, The Three Chimneys’ team vote to select a local group or charity to support with funds raised through voluntary guest donations. This year, their chosen community partners are Dunvegan Primary and Carbost Primary.

Ms Muir added: “Pupils have been inspired by their experiences of hospitality at the highest level, and we hope this partnership can continue to grow.

"Opportunities like this help prepare our young people for their future lives and for meaningful contributions to our local community, where hospitality and tourism play such a vital role.

“We are incredibly grateful to the team at the Three Chimneys for this valuable opportunity."

Councillor John Finlayson, chair of both the education and Skye and Raasay committee, said: “I was delighted that the pupils of Dunvegan were able to enjoy the Christmas lunch thanks to the Three Chimneys team.

“It is really encouraging to see them build strong community partnerships with local businesses. These relationships are so important to help young people understand about food, nutrition, business, hospitality and entrepreneurship, and all the opportunities that they bring to Highland.

“It is clearly a positive time for the school and community as they look forward to the delivery of a brand-new school and housing development, thanks to Highland Council’s ambitious Highland Investment Plan.”