Birch

Birch is a haven for coffee lovers in the heart of Portree, Skye’s bustling ‘capital’. Opened in 2020 by Niall Munro – son of Runrig singer Donnie Munro, no less – it channels the cool, creative vibe of Melbourne’s famed café scene, but with a distinctly Highland twist. Quality is key here, from the ethically sourced coffee beans – roasted in-house to create unique blends and single origins – to the tempting array of locally produced food.   

What to expect: Birch focuses on speciality coffee that can be traced back to the grower, ensuring a standard of care to everyone involved in the process. Their batch brew filter coffee is consistently excellent, and they also offer a range of single origins and blends to suit all tastes. If you’re feeling peckish, their brunch and lunch options are small but perfectly formed, with scrambled eggs on sourdough toast a particular highlight. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for too, with clearly labelled plant-based options. And if you fancy a sweet treat, their cakes and pastries are baked fresh daily.   

Vibe: Birch has a chic, minimalist interior with light, Scandinavian tones. It’s a welcoming and relaxed space, perfect for enjoying a coffee and a bite to eat or catching up with friends. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to chat about their coffee and food, and there’s a real sense of community spirit here.

Don’t miss: Birch also has a shop where you can buy bags of their freshly roasted coffee beans, as well as brewing equipment and other coffee-related goodies. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a gift for the coffee lover in your life. And while you’re there, why not grab a copy of our Best of Skye Guidebook to help you plan your island adventures?

Find them: Birch is located on Bayfield Road in Portree, just a short stroll from the harbour. They also have a sister café in Inverness, at 21 High Street, bringing their unique brand of Highland hospitality to the mainland.   

Open: Daily, 8am to 5pm (Portree); Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 5pm, Sunday 9am to 5pm (Inverness).