Two Isle of Skye restaurants, The Three Chimneys and sister venue The Three Chimneys at Talisker, have raised over £11,800 for local primary education through a voluntary guest donation programme, underlining the growing role of hospitality businesses in rural community investment.
The money was raised throughout 2025 via small, opt-in guest contributions across both sites, with the recipient chosen annually by a staff vote. This year, the funds went to Dunvegan Primary School and Carbost Primary School, with each receiving almost £6,000.
General manager Kieran Walker said the initiative reflects the business’s broader commitment to the communities that support it. “Supporting the local community is something that means a great deal to us,” he said, pointing to previous beneficiaries including Portree Food Bank, Skye Mountain Rescue and the RNLI.
Beyond the financial contribution, the group is expanding its educational outreach for 2026. Head chef Paul Green will lead a programme bringing groups of 9 to 12-year-olds from Dunvegan Primary into the working kitchen, offering hands-on experience with local ingredients, front-of-house service, and lessons in provenance and seasonality.
The initiative is part of a longer commitment to the island that has seen The Three Chimneys, which also holds three AA Rosettes, has operated on Skye since 1985, support local growers, crofters, producers and craftspeople throughout the year.
Picture: The Three Chimneys team presented a cheque for £5,914.95 to children at Dunvegan Primary School on the Isle of Skye. Credit – The Three Chimneys