:

    • All advice and support

      Start your business

      • All start your business
      • Legislation
      • Measure your progress
      • Pricing strategies
      • Set up a business

      Improve your business

      • All improve your business
      • Create an inclusive business
      • Deliver a quality experience
      • Partner support opportunities
      • Understand your customers

      Grow your business

      • All grow your business
      • Funding opportunities
      • Online booking systems
      • Reach new markets
      • Sell with travel partners

      Promote your business

      • All promote your business
      • Create good content
      • Manage your social media
      • Manage your website
      • Marketing opportunities

      Sustainability

      • All sustainability
      • Create a climate action plan
      • Improve your sustainability
      • Measure your climate impact
      • Net zero and sustainability
      • Promote responsible tourism

      Support by sector

      • All support by sector
      • Accommodation
      • Active and outdoor
      • Events and festivals
      • Food and drink
      • Visitor attractions
  • Training and events
  • Contact us

Welcome to the new Business Support Hub. Please use this form to provide any comments or suggestions.

Feedback form
  1. Home
  2. Advice and support
  3. Support by sector
  4. Food and drink
  5. Food and drink case studies
  6. How Edinbane Lodge developed an award-winning business

How Edinbane Lodge developed an award-winning business

5 minute read • Last updated: 29 April 2025

With a history dating back to the 16th century, Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye is celebrated as one of Scotland’s premier dining destinations. Skye-born Calum Montgomery is the lodge’s Chef Patron.

Calum’s passion is to cook exceptional food using the finest produce Skye has to offer, having discovered a love for cooking and hospitality early.

In 2017 Calum and his family took on Edinbane Lodge, which needed a complete renovation due to its derelict state, and created four bedrooms and a fine dining restaurant.

See how by focusing on quality local produce and provenance he embraced the growth in food tourism and transformed the island’s oldest operational hostelry into a high-profile multi-award winning business.

In this article:

  • The beginning
  • Showcasing local produce 
  • Developing the customer experience
  • The benefits of award recognition

The beginning

“We used local trades people and an interior designer to help reflect Skye and our connection to it in the interiors.”

Calum began his career in hospitality as a kitchen assistant in a restaurant in Portree. Initially he found the job to earn some pocket money, but he was quickly promoted after demonstrating his talent.

He decided he enjoyed it so much that he changed his original plan, leaving a business studies course to cook full-time. In 2016, he became the youngest person in Scotland at the time to hold three AA Rosettes at Ullinish Lodge Hotel and then became Head Chef at Kinloch Lodge in 2017.

Later that year, Calum decided to go into business with his father, who had recently sold his cleaning business and was able to invest in a new venture.

Opening in 2018, Edinbane Lodge was entirely focused on offering guests a true taste of Skye, from the food to the furnishings and the warm hospitality. Each room is individually decorated and furnished with woods, fabrics, textures and colours which reflect the rich hues and tones of the Skye landscape. 

Showcasing local produce 

A plate with a stuffed shell garnish with a herb

Dishes at the Edinbane Lodge focus on using local ingredients

© Edinbane Lodge

''I wanted to create a true, genuine experience, showcasing the absolute best of what we have on Skye.''

Recognising the growth in food tourism from visitors looking to experience Scotland’s remarkable natural larder, Calum is committed to sourcing as many ingredients from the island as possible, with complete traceability and communicating this to customers on the menus and in any interactions.

“An authentic taste experience has now become an important component for our visitors, who are looking to understand how we use our native ingredients, as well as enjoying our stunning scenery when they visit.

“As Chef Patron, I wanted the food at Edinbane Lodge to focus on using Skye’s natural ingredients and to celebrate the people who work hard to make these special, native ingredients available.

“We work with friends, family and contacts on the island to source seafood, meats, fruit, vegetables and foraged ingredients for our menus.”

Developing the customer experience

''Every touchpoint is carefully considered to tell a story, from the ingredients to the tableware and the surroundings.''

Food is an essential part of the experience at Edinbane Lodge, but Calum is keen to ensure each visit encapsulates the very best the island has to offer.

There is a clear commitment to provenance and craft. He builds a sustainable supply of ingredients in a way that benefits suppliers and the island’s natural resources whilst giving a true taste of Skye.

These details are communicated in the menus, but also through the staff. Calum is keen that his team share his vision and communicate as much as possible with the guests.

“Engaging staff in the sourcing and preparation of ingredients equips them to tell the story of every component of the guest experience and keeps them engaged and motivated.”

The benefits of award recognition

A dining table set for service with cutlery and large wine glasses

The multi award-winning Edinbane Lodge

© Edinbane Lodge

"Award success has helped us cement our place as an essential place to visit on Skye for a food experience."

Their rural location means that Edinbane Lodge tends not to attract much passing trade. Awards have therefore played an important role in establishing their reputation as a must-visit destination.

Since opening, Calum and the business have won numerous accolades, including 4 Rosettes from the AA in 2022 - 2025 and Restaurant of the Year at the Scottish Thistle Awards in 2024. They have also been recognised in Harden's Guide, The Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide. 

These accolades and recognition, alongside major television appearances, significantly helped to raise the business profile and increased advance bookings.

They have also been able to share their story and promote their achievements on social media, where they have 25k followers on Instagram and 13k on Facebook.

Calum advises others to believe in themselves. He recommends focusing on what you do best, analysing each element of every service and pivoting when needed.

 

Is your business sustainable?

Responsible tourism is considering the wider impact your business and visitors could have on Scotland, and the world.

Implementing sustainable practices and considering the natural environment around us can positively impact not only your business but the wider community.

Sustainability

Related pages

How Mharsanta create bespoke experiences for the travel trade

The Lomond Leisure Group operate bars and restaurants in Glasgow and Edinburgh. They’ve developed tailored and innovative travel trade ready products.
Case study
5 minute read

How the restored Cross Keys Inn is the hub of their community again

Find out how the Cross Keys Inn in the Scottish Borders promote their business working with both their local and online community.
Case study
8 minute read

Awards and accreditations

Winning awards boosts your profile, enhances credibility, and opens new opportunities in Scotland's tourism industry.
Article
6 minute read

Deliver a quality food and drink experience

Find out how to deliver a quality experience, from reviewing your menus regularly to making sustainable choices.
How-to
8 minute read

Sign up for the latest advice

Sign up for the Business Support monthly newsletter to get the latest advice and tips straight to your inbox. We’ll keep you informed with up-to-date insights, case studies and best practice guides to help you start, improve or grow your business.
Get the Business Support newsletter

About us

  • Policies
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Website feedback
  • Glossary of terms

Our other sites

  • Business Events
  • Corporate
  • Media Toolkit
  • Travel Trade
  • Scotland is Now
  • VisitScotland.com

Find us on

Find us on

Brand Scotland

© 2025 VisitScotland. All rights reserved.