Kj is a straight-talking award-winning chef from New Zealand who lives & works in the Cairngorms National Park Scotland

Hi, I’m Kirsten Gilmour — although most people know me as Kj! I’m an award-winning chef from New Zealand. I’m the head chef, baker, and proud owner of Kj’s Bothy Bakery in Grantown-on-Spey. Some of you might remember me as the founder of the Mountain Café in Aviemore, which I ran until 2020. I also wrote the Mountain Café Cookbook, which captures a lot of my favourite recipes and the flavours I love working with.

I’m passionate about using Scotland’s incredible local ingredients, always adding a little Kiwi twist to my recipes. While baking is my specialty, I’m equally at home cooking up fresh salads, barbecues, and brunches.

Thanks for stopping by!