The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye has appointed a new head chef to lead its kitchen teams, continuing its 40-year legacy at the forefront of Scotland’s fine dining scene.
The world-renowned restaurant with rooms has announced that Paul Green has joined the team as head chef following an extensive UK-wide search for the best culinary talent.
Paul, 38, has over 20 years’ international experience under the mentorship of some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs, including Simon Rogan, Michael Smith, Martin Wishart and Adam Reid.
Over the last two decades, Paul has worked in some of the UK’s finest restaurants, as well as undertaking stages across Europe and New York at two and three Michelin star restaurants. More recently, Paul was head chef at the acclaimed Driftwood Hotel in Cornwall and before that he was head chef at the five red starred Torridon Hotel in the Scottish Highlands.
Born in Edinburgh and raised in the Scottish Borders, Paul’s passion for cooking was nurtured on his home turf under former Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons head chef Rene Gate at the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel, near Melrose, whilst attending Borders College.
Paul’s career has now come full circle. He is returning to The Three Chimneys after 20 years, where his journey began as a young commis chef under Michael Smith back in 2005.
Paul will now lead the kitchen team as head chef of The Three Chimneys at Colbost. He will also be responsible for managing the kitchen team at The Three Chimneys at Talisker, which was launched at Skye’s oldest distillery in spring 2024.
Commenting on his appointment as head chef for The Three Chimneys and The Three Chimneys at Talisker, Paul Green said:
“The Three Chimneys is where my passion for Scottish produce really ignited. Coming back to the island almost 20 years later as head chef has an even greater personal significance for me and an achievement that I’m extremely proud of.
“I’m committed to showcasing the provenance of ingredients and following The Three Chimneys’ sustainable ethos to source high-quality produce from local suppliers on the island and wider Scottish Highlands region.
“Ultimately, I aspire to build on The Three Chimneys’ long-established reputation. Skye is unashamedly blessed with an abundance of local seafood, often sourced from the shores right in front of the restaurant. This amazing seafood will be a headline feature on our menus alongside fresh game, meats and locally foraged produce.
“My philosophy is that every dish must focus on the best cuts, presented simply and ensuring that the flavour of these wonderful ingredients is at the forefront of each dish.”
Since opening as a restaurant in 1985, The Three Chimneys has been a trailblazer on the Isle of Skye, inspiring visitors to travel from all over the world to satisfy their appetite for the island’s fresh, local produce. The multi award-winning five-star AA restaurant is included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, as well as The Good Food Guide.
The Three Chimneys is part of The Wee Hotel Company, which also includes the award-winning Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant at Port Appin on the Argyll coast.
Brett Davidge, Managing Director of The Wee Hotel Company, said:
“We’re really excited to welcome Paul back to The Three Chimneys after 20 years honing his culinary experience around the UK. His leadership and refreshingly simple, flavour first philosophy will play a key role in our continued legacy.
“As new head chef, Paul will lead our committed and talented kitchen team at The Three Chimneys, which is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading dining destinations.
“Paul will also oversee The Three Chimneys at Talisker, our restaurant on the shores of Loch Harport, which is located just 30 minutes’ drive away from our original venue. The Three Chimneys at Talisker offers an array of locally sourced food and drink, including freshly caught seafood, cured meats and cheeses to appeal to the numerous Talisker visitors.”
The Three Chimneys Restaurant and The House Over-By with its choice of six guest rooms is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty at Colbost on the shores of Loch Dunvegan, with the dramatic backdrop of the Duirinish peninsula of Skye.