Visitors to the Isle of Skye come from all over the world. For many, its breath-taking beauty make it a true bucket-list destination. But, it is not known for its coffee scene. As a self-proclaimed coffee-enthusiast, living on Skye has presented challenges. But after talking to locals and a lot of trial and error I’m please to say Skye’s coffee scene is thriving. So, if you’re missing the big-city independent coffee-fix, here is my list of the best coffee shops in Skye.
Birch – Portree
Birch resides in a side street in the centre of Skye’s capital, Portree. With its chic, minimalist interior design, and light, Scandinavian tones Birch would not be out of place in Edinburgh, London or Madrid. They have been roasting their own coffee since 2021 and there is a sense of expertise amongst the friendly team. Birch is the only coffee shop I have found in Skye which offers a daily batch brew filter, which is consistently excellent. They also offer a selection of brunch and lunch options: overnight oats, poached eggs on sourdough, soups and sandwiches. The cakes and sweet-treats are all superb, freshly made. The peanut butter chocolate brownie is truly in a league of its own. Dogs are unfortunately not welcome.
“The SkyeSkyns Yurt is located at arguably the most scenic vantage point and provides a unique, cosy café experience”
Bog Myrtle Skye – Struan
Located 30 minutes drive from Portree, on the west side of the island, Bog Myrtle is a real gem. It is owned and operated by the Skye Bakehouse, a local independent bakery with a great reputation. As you would expect the food, and in particular the cakes, are supremely good. The range is impressive, and fresh with a mix of favourites like brownies and traditional cakes as well as their own more adventurous creations. The coffee is made with real craft and attention to detail by passionate, energetic and super-friendly staff. Bog Myrtle is unassuming in a low key, slightly run-down, white building, located next to a post office. On the inside however, is a beautifully curated setting. An eye-catching, vintage-chic interior design runs throughout, including a stunning sheet of stained glass dividing the seating area into two subtly distinct areas. There are books everywhere; and with a wide range of comfortable seating, it’s a perfect place spend a rainy afternoon. Dogs are also very welcome.
SkyeSkyns Yurt – Waternish
SkyeSkins is primarily a tanners, makers and suppliers of luxurious sheepskins. They are a local family Skye business with 40 years of history. In that time, they have branched out into the world of coffee. The grounds of their tannery in Waternish boasts sensational panoramic views of the surrounding hills, the loch and out to Isay island. The SkyeSkyns Yurt is located at arguably the most scenic vantage point and provides a unique, cosy café experience. Its surroundings make it one of the most scenic coffee shops on Skye. The yurt produces excellent coffee and a small selection of cakes and ice cream as well as an everchanging savoury menu.
You can sit in comfort on one of the sheepskin seat-liners, next to a log burner fire or, on a sunny day, take in the views from one of the outside bench seats. SkyeSkyns also has a stylish branch in Portree, with a contemporary wooden decking, overlooking Portree bay. Both locations are very dog friendly with the chance of a biscuit for particularly the well-behaved ones (dogs, not humans).
Burr – Kilmalueg
Burr is a hidden gem in the true sense of the term. They have almost no online presence. I stumbled across them one day when looking for somewhere to walk the dog at the northern tip of Skye. An architecturally significant, streamlined wooden cabin, overlooking the breath-taking coastline. Burr is near the most northern part of Skye, Rubha Hunish. Run by two very friendly women, with some occasional help, they offer a great selection of home-made cakes, superb coffee and a great range of hot chocolates, including my personal favourite, Skye Salted Caramel. There is standing room only, but dotted around outside there are some colourful seats . Burr is also the perfect place to pick up some local, unique gifts, from scented candles and notebooks to local artwork. Burr is dog friendly.
Caora Dhubh (Black Sheep) Coffee Company – Carbost
Quite the opposite of Burr, Black Sheep has an exquisite website and well-crafted brand. They are in a small, wooden hut, venue, with queuing space-only, located directly opposite the world-famous Talisker distillery. Black Sheep claim Scottish-only sourcing for their hot drinks supply, and their high-end coffee-making equipment is on show. Also on-show is a wide range of striking local artwork, from Scottish artists, some of whom are on the Isle of Skye.
Black Sheep take coffee seriously, with skilled baristas taking their time to prepare every coffee to a high standard. I’ve been several times and it is normally busy, but it is totally worth the wait. Unsure if it is dog friendly, but be aware the space is cramped and narrow; Belka preferred to wait outside.
The Isle of Skye has an incredible range of innovative and exciting coffee shops and cafes. There are too many to list. These five are my personal favourites right now having tried most but not all. If you are on the Isle of Skye you will almost certainly find yourself near one of these; please do check them out!
Jon
Jon is an adventurer at heart. He has driven 8000 miles across Europe, completed multi-day hikes and swum with sharks. He has had a long and impressive career managing in a training and education business as well as leading transformational change during Covid-19. He has now taken the brave decision to step away from corporate life to pursue his creative ambitions. He is currently editing his first book as well as creating this blog. Together with Lauren, Jon has embarked on many adventures including a winter road trip of Italy, a sleeper train tour for his birthday and kayaking in the Galapagos Islands.
I really enjoyed reading this article! As a coffee lover, it’s great to know that Skye has a thriving coffee scene. I appreciate the author’s recommendations and descriptions of each coffee shop. The Birch in Portree sounds like a must-visit with its own coffee roasting and delicious brunch options. I’ll also make sure to check out Bog Myrtle Skye for their impressive range of cakes and vintage-chic interior. The SkyeSkyns Yurt seems like a unique and scenic cafe experience, and I love that they offer sheepskin seat-liners for extra comfort. Burr and Black Sheep Coffee Company both sound fantastic as well. I can’t wait to visit Skye and try out these coffee shops!
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s always great to encounter fellow coffee enthusiasts. Love your site!
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