We have photographed Michelin star food, Bib Gourmand food, all sorts of food that has won all sorts of accolades. We have witnessed and captured the end result of the inventiveness, creativity and inspiration that comes plated through the doors of the immensely talented kitchens of Skye. Breathtakingly delicious food. Food that looks as impressive as it tastes. Food that creates fabulous images. Food that has made Skye cuisine famous the world over.
But I have to admit to heresy. I really enjoy photographing a breakfast the most. Yup, there you go. in less enlightened days I would have been castigated from the pulpit, put on the first ferry and maybe even been the recipient of a harsh editorial in the Free Press…
It’s a neglected culinary art. It may not be an edible beach, featuring sand made from tapioca maltodextrin flavoured with miso oil, anchovies, seaweed infused foam, yellowtail fish, octopus, and mackerel served with a smart speaker hidden inside a seashell that plays the sounds of the sea as you dive in but it would be interesting to see what Heston Blumenthal could knock up at 6:30am for a group of impatient and hungry climbers needing fueled up before setting off to scale the In-Pin.
It’s the original highland fine dining experience and Skye bed and breakfasts and hotels excel at making it. There should be stars, rosettes, crowns, plaques, parades, recognition in the New Years Honours and much more presented for an excellent breakfast. Pibrochs should be written for them. If Sorley MacLean hasn’t written a poem about a highland breakfast he should have. Runrig should have sung about one. It’s the meal that sets you up for a day of action and adventure. You cannot contemplate Skye-scale action and adventure with a little Weatabix or a cup of tea as your fuel. No, you need the real deal. A full-on no shit, go to Hell and kick Satan in the nuts all-in Highland blow out will fill your tank and get you to the top of that hill, end of the beach, into that kayak and around the point… or send you slowly to a comfy chair with a good book, a smile on your face and thoughts of a nap. The choice is all yours…
Images are from Thistles on Skye, Tir Alainn, Minikoi and Fernlea