A MICHELIN-STARRED Scottish island restaurant will close down for good after this tourist season, it has been announced.
The Loch Bay Restaurant, in the township of Stein in Skye, said that its final service would be on October 31, 2026.
The eatery opened in 2016 and won a single Michelin star the following year. The famed food guide praises the “pretty crofter’s cottage [which] sits in an idyllic spot on the Waternish Peninsula”.
“The skilfully prepared, intensely flavoured dishes have French undertones but a Scottish heart, with Skye's cold, pure waters providing plenty of seafood,” the guide says. “The signature langoustine 'pot au feu' is a prime example, using shellfish landed on the jetty opposite the restaurant.”
Now, a statement from Loch Bay’s husband and wife leadership team Michael and Laurence Smith said: “After ten wonderful years we have made the decision to close Loch Bay.
“When we opened Loch Bay in 2016, we wanted to create a restaurant that reflected our passion for hospitality and gave the warmest of welcomes to guests visiting from all over the world.
“Since then, the success of our restaurant has been a result of the combined assistance from our incredible team of staff, suppliers and the local community. We would like to give thanks and appreciation to everyone who has aided and supported the business.”
They went on: “Our final service will coincide with the last day of another successful season on the 31 October 2026. We have always hoped to end in the most positive way and feel this is the right time for us to do so.
“As our Loch Bay story comes to a close, Stein remains our home and we both look forward to beginning new chapters in our personal and professional lives.
“We will always be immensely grateful to all our customers and staff for the opportunity and privilege of creating so many happy moments and memories that will stay with us forever.”
