Scotland restaurants: Timberyard and Heron gain Michelin stars

Two Edinburgh restaurants have scooped a coveted Michelin star and joined a growing list of Scottish venues to have deserved the accolade.

The 2023 Michelin Guide sees Scotland's total number of star-winning venues rise to 12 with the addition of two restaurants in the capital: Timberyard and Heron

Heron, nestled in the Leith area of Edinburgh, was praised for its "fresh, understated and uncluttered" appearance and cooking.

The guide adds: "Two elements shine through from the two very focused chef-owners in the kitchen: they have all the techniques, but they also understand flavour – it’s how a dish tastes that counts.

"That means you can expect confidently prepared, balanced and delicious dishes that display plenty of respect for their ingredients; the sauces are a real highlight."

Chefs Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke said they were "delighted" in a post announcing the accolade on their social media.

The post added: "This award goes to our whole team and we’re grateful for the recognition of the work we see everyday.

"To all our guests and staff, past and present, thank you for helping to make this place the truly special place that it is."

Timberyard was praised for its "rustic aesthetic" achieved by their venue - a repurposed warehouse dating back to the 19th century.

For the Edinburgh restaurant, located on Lady Lawson Street, the accolade arrives a decade after it opened.

The restaurant is owned and operated by the Radford family, while its kitchen is led by head chef James Murray known as Jimmy.

The Michelin guide attributes their new star to an "ethos that centres around the local, the seasonal, and letting ingredients speak for themselves".

"It takes a lot of skill and no little ability to take just a few prime ingredients and produce dishes that are so well defined and satisfying – and the Radford family now have a chef who can do just that," it adds.

"You can warm yourself by the stove in winter or sit in the walled courtyard in the summer. The lovely service team are on the ball and the music’s great too."

The Scottish Farmer: (L-R): Ben Radford; James (Jimmy) Murray (Head Chef); and Jo Radford from Timberyard. (L-R): Ben Radford; James (Jimmy) Murray (Head Chef); and Jo Radford from Timberyard. (Image: Abi Radford, Timberyard)

Jo Radford, who helps run the front of house, said their head chef was the "final piece of the puzzle".

“The Radford family and the entire team have always strived to achieve great things at Timberyard and the family always believed in what we were capable of," he said.

"With Jimmy coming on board as the final piece of the puzzle, we have now achieved the ultimate accolade and we couldn’t be more delighted.

“Thanks to the trust and loyalty of our team, as well as the passion and professionalism they have shown, we’re also extremely lucky to be celebrating our 10th anniversary in 2023, having survived some challenging obstacles along the way."

Timberyard's head chef said the star was "energising" for him personally.

Mr Murray added: "It’s such a fantastic feeling for all involved to have been awarded our first Michelin Star."

Scotland continues to boast a single two-star restaurant - Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Auchterarder.

While Glasgow did not collect any more awards its two one-star restaurants retained their position on the guide.