From 1 October, Edinbane Lodge will operate four days a week as they have struggled to add to the current team.
The restaurant, which reopened in May after restrictions ended, joined the A-list of the UK’s top restaurants in 2020 after becoming the only Scottish restaurant to be awarded three rosettes in the 2020 AA rankings.
Known for its expert use of local ingredients and close connections with the island’s best suppliers, the restaurant with rooms, which is located on the northern part of the island, was praised for its “seasonal tasting menus showcasing the very best produce the island has to offer.”
Head chef Calum Montgomery announced the decision to reduce hours on the restaurant's social media, writing: "Dear friends, loyal customers, past and future guests of Edinbane Lodge.
"After much consideration, deliberation and discussion, we have decided to adapt our business.From the 1st of October 2021, we will be changing the operating hours of our restaurant and rooms to open four days a week.
"It is well known that the UK hospitality industry is experiencing a staffing crisis at the moment.Since reopening in May, we have struggled to add to our incredible core team at Edinbane Lodge.
"We firmly believe it is our responsibility to protect this team which has helped build and maintain our reputation for delivering a memorable experience for all of our guests.
"We hope this move will provide an excellent work-life balance for our current members of staff, and attract additional hospitality professionals to our team in the near future.
"Lockdown has brought some new perspective to many people working in what is a demanding industry, and I personally can understand why many have left; across the UK and beyond.I have worked in hospitality my entire adult life and wholeheartedly still would encourage any youngster with a passion for what remains a hugely enjoyable, exciting and genuinely rewarding industry to get involved.
"But the days of working 80 hour weeks “for passion” are now behind us."
From 1 October. Edinbane's opening hours will be Wednesday-Saturday and for more information on booking, please visit their website.
Edinbane joins other Scottish restaurants that have reduced opening hours due to staff shortages. The Peat Inn in Fife has stopped its lunch service for the foreseeable future, and The Gannet in Glasgow will no longer open five days a week.
Fife's other Michelin Star restaurant The Cellar, has also recently reduced working hours to safeguard staff wellbeing.
Owner and head chef Billy Boyter said: "I spoke to other chefs who are working a 4 day week and I thought if we can afford to do it then we really should.
"It's really for the benefit of the staff, as we know the amount of work they do.
"There's alot of negativity around hospitality and especially towards Michelin Star restaurants and the working conditions and hours.
"I want to put a different spin on that and show that you can work in these places without working the hours that people think you do in order to cook good food."
