Chef Christie CULINARY EXCELLENce at Dun Aluinn

At the heart of Dun Aluinn’s dining experience is Head Chef John Christie, whose journey has taken him from the rolling hills of Edinburgh to some of the world’s most acclaimed kitchens. John’s career began in one of Scotland’s Michelin-starred kitchens at the esteemed Kinnaird Estate, where he laid the foundations of his craft. He went on to refine his skills at the world-renowned Gleneagles Hotel, before moving to London to work alongside acclaimed French chef Claude Bosi at his two-Michelin-starred restaurant Hibiscus. Eager to broaden his horizons, John then ventured far beyond the UK, cooking in celebrated kitchens across Zermatt, the Caribbean, and in Australasia. Each destination deepened his culinary perspective and added new layers of inspiration to his repertoire. Returning to his native Perthshire, he brings 15 years + of world experience to the table at Dun Aluinn.

Now, as Head Chef at Dun Aluinn in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, John has returned to his roots. Here, he brings together his international experience with Scotland’s unrivalled natural larder to create dining experiences that are both refined and deeply connected to place. His approach celebrates the seasons, champions local producers, and blends classic technique with creative flair.

Drawing inspiration from both his international journey and Scotland’s exceptional natural larder, Christie curates bespoke menus that celebrate seasonality, terroir, and a spirit of conviviality. Our menus are guided by the rhythm of the seasons and the unique microclimate of Perthshire. Every dish is thoughtfully created to reflect what’s naturally abundant and at its best. Each dining experience—whether a grand multi-course ‘Taste of the Highlands’ menu or a simple fire-side feast—is designed to feel as memorable as the Highland setting itself.

At Dun Aluinn, dining is a celebration of place. Head Chef John Christie curates every menu to reflect the beauty and spirit of the Highlands—whether it’s an elaborate multi-course tasting journey or a relaxed feast by the fire. Seasonal dishes showcase Scotland’s finest ingredients: hand-dived scallops from the west coast, Lord of Ardbeg venison, or wild line-caught Dover sole with spiced black lentils. Autumn menus might feature barbecued quail with foie gras and rhubarb or pan-roasted grouse with caramelized pear and garden spinach, while desserts such as malted barley ice cream with sea salt caramel or port-poached fig cheesecake provide a memorable finale. At Dun Aluinn, food is more than a meal—it is an experience designed to inspire as deeply as the landscapes that surround it.

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Bespoke Dining

At Dun Aluinn, private dining is elevated into an experience as personal as it is memorable. Guests are invited to collaborate with the culinary team in a one-to-one consultation, sharing tastes, preferences, and dietary requirements to create a truly bespoke menu. From multi-course tasting journeys to relaxed, intimate suppers, every occasion is crafted to reflect the unique style of the group.

The estate’s chefs draw inspiration from Scotland’s rich gastronomic heritage, sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients to ensure every dish is as fresh as it is authentic. The result is a dining experience that celebrates both creativity and place — thoughtful, indulgent, and tailored exclusively for each guest.

At Dun Aluinn, we take a collaborative approach to food and farming—working hand-in-hand with local growers and artisanal producers across Aberfeldy and Perthshire. This commitment to provenance and sustainability has earned us a Gold Award from Green Tourism, recognising our environmentally conscious practices.

About Dun Aluinn & The Lodge

Dun Aluinn is Scotland’s premier exclusive-use hotel estate, set on 22 acres overlooking the River Tay and the town of Aberfeldy. The Edwardian Main House features nine luxurious bedrooms, while the contemporary Lodge offers four additional ensuite rooms. Together, the two properties accommodate up to 26 guests and represent a rare blend of heritage and world-class design, and modern hospitality in a private Highland sanctuary for celebrations, retreats, and immersive cultural experiences.