Scotland's culinary scene has been bolstered by the addition of two remote Highland restaurants to the prestigious Michelin Guide, which recognizes exceptional dining establishments.

At a ceremony held in Dublin, Killiecrankie House near Pitlochry and 1887 in Torridon were among the 20 new restaurants in the UK and Ireland to receive a one-star rating, a testament to their outstanding cuisine.

Chefs Tom Tsappis and Danny Young, who helm the kitchens at these respective restaurants, described their establishments as being situated in isolated locations, which they acknowledged during the award presentation.

The total number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Scotland now stands at 15, with only two of these venues holding two stars, a distinction that underscores their exceptional quality.

The 2026 guide does not feature any three-star restaurants in Scotland, with all 10 three-star establishments located elsewhere in the UK and Ireland.

Among the 28 restaurants with two stars, Scotland is represented by Restaurant Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder, and the Glenturret Lalique in Crieff, both of which have earned this prestigious rating.

This year, seven restaurants received the Michelin green star, an award that recognizes establishments leading the way in sustainable gastronomy, with three of these restaurants located in Scotland: Timberyard in Edinburgh, 1887 in Torridon, and Inver in Strachur.

Tom Tsappis' journey into the culinary world began during a stay in Japan at the age of 23, where he met his wife, Matilda, who now serves as the head sommelier at Killiecrankie House, bringing a unique perspective to the restaurant.

Prior to establishing their current restaurant, the couple operated a fine-dining supper club in their London flat, showcasing Tsappis' Greek Cypriot heritage, before converting a 19th-century Perthshire manse into a "restaurant with rooms" in 2021.

The restaurant's menu offers a modern Scottish cuisine with Japanese influences, creating a distinctive dining experience.

At the Dublin ceremony, Tsappis expressed his delight, stating that his small restaurant in the Scottish Highlands was thrilled to receive the Michelin star.

Tsappis revealed that his team of five staff members, who work in both the front and back of house, learned about the Michelin star while on a trip to Japan, a country that has significantly influenced their culinary approach.

Tsappis later described the award as "completely overwhelming," highlighting the significance of this recognition.

The Michelin star holds particular importance for the restaurant, given the challenges faced by the industry in recent years, according to Tsappis, who emphasized the impact of this award on his team.

The Michelin Guide describes Killiecrankie House as a "true dining destination" with a unique personality, located in the Cairngorms National Park, offering a surprise tasting menu that combines Scottish produce with Japanese techniques.

The guide praises the restaurant's ability to enhance ingredients to "brilliant effect," creating a distinctive culinary experience.

1887, located at the Torridon Hotel near Achnasheen in Wester Ross, serves local food, including shellfish, fresh fish, and game sourced from nearby estates.

The restaurant's £150 menu showcases the best of local produce, with a focus on ingredient-led cuisine.

A spokesperson for the Torridon noted that the Michelin star recognizes the vision and dedication of head chef Danny Young, who has an "ingredient-led philosophy" that drives the restaurant's culinary approach.

The Torridon's team extended their gratitude to all staff members, suppliers, and gardeners, acknowledging their passion and commitment to creating exceptional dining experiences.

The team's dedication was highlighted as the key to delivering outstanding cuisine, with the spokesperson emphasizing the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

Danny Young, who also received the National Chef of the Year award in October, spoke about the unique setting of his restaurant, describing it as "stuck in the middle of nowhere."

Young emphasized the benefits of the restaurant's location, citing the stunning natural surroundings and access to incredible ingredients as key factors in its success.

The chef noted that the combination of the restaurant's location, ingredients, and staff makes it an exceptional dining destination.

Michelin inspectors praised 1887, describing its location as "truly stunning" and highlighting the exceptional quality of the local produce, which forms the basis of the restaurant's superbly balanced dishes.

Sebb's, a Glasgow-based restaurant, received the Exceptional Cocktail Award, adding to its existing Bib Gourmand recognition, which acknowledges "good food at a great price."

Mara in Aberdeen and the Clarence and Angeethi by Sagar Massey, both in Glasgow, also received Bib Gourmand awards, recognizing their commitment to serving high-quality cuisine at affordable prices.

The total number of restaurants with at least one Michelin star in the UK and Ireland now stands at 230, reflecting the diversity and excellence of the region's culinary scene.

Eleven Scottish restaurants retained their one-star status in the guide, a testament to their consistent quality and dedication to exceptional cuisine.